Flavor Profile
Distilled in the Cognac region of France, Yu Gin is one of many gins distilled in one place and inspired by another. Even I’ll admit to having misread the name— I saw Yu and I thought Yuzu. Indeed, Yuzu is one of the signature botanicals. Inspired by Japan, distilled in france, they are inspired by Wabi-Sabi as a philosophy and therefore emphasizes simplicity.
Tasting notes
Aroma: Clear citrus. Especially orange and lemon marmalade with plenty of pine to round it out.
Flavor: Intensely literal, with strong notes of yuzu, but also kumquat and limes. Citrus stars; however, piney juniper is strongly present as well. Mid-palate, Yu Gin shifts to more of a spice and citrus flavor. Piquant, the sichuan peppercorn invokes flavors of black pepper, cubeb, and coriander.
Finish: Smooth and clean, with very little warmth. Kumquat notes especially persist on the edges of the palate, with lime and pepper facets.
Cocktails and suggested serves
Yu Gin is a flexible mixer behind the bar. In almost any gin cocktail, the distinctive citrus and juniper flavors can be picked out. While I liked it best in a gin and tonic with Indian tonic water, I also enjoyed the yuzu notes in a Negroni or Aviation.
Fans of citrus-forward contemporary Martinis will like how the simplicity is rounded out by the complexity of dry vermouth.
Overall, Yu Gin
Within the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi is ‘appreciating beauty that is “imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete” in nature.’ Within my review, I can find no better metaphor for my primary critique.
Lacking in complexity, Yu Gin is simple, austere, and feels like it has room to build out a more complete gin. Citrus dominates with a nice juniper flavor; however, the entry on the palate and the finish are strikingly quiet. Might some other botanicals have been able to round it out?
I suggest that perhaps— however, as an embodiment of simplicity and being a versatile gin behind the bar, Yu Gin hits a lot of marks.
Recommended to fans of citrus-forward contemporary style gins.
Awards
