Sanpellegrino is perhaps best known for their mineral waters; however, in the last few years they’ve gotten into tonic water as well. Sanpellegrino Tonica Oakwood is sweetened with sugar and has oak wood extract added. The tonic water is restrained with its sweetening— 50 calories for 200 mL of tonic.
Tasting Notes
Delicate citric acid/neutral citrus aroma on the nose. Poured, a robust effervescence emerges. After a second, relatively large, slowly rising bubbles remain.
Sipped, the sweetness registers almost immediately, while tart lemon comes in as well. Texturally, the bubbles are medium in size and are concentrated towards the front of the palate and first sip.
The quinine is moderate and nicely balanced with a mild, woody, earthy note reminiscent of tree bark and forest floor.
Quiet and relatively long finish with restrained bitterness showing earthy, warm facets.
Gin and Tonic
Sanpellegrino Tonica Oakwood is a complimentary tonic water. The earthiness, mild sweetness and restrained bitterness hits all the notes without being one-dimensional. It’s ideal for pairing with classic juniper-forward gins such as Beefeater or Gordon’s. Further, if you’re a contemporary gin drinker who likes floral notes, this tonic water also works really nicely.
Overall, Sanpellegrino Tonica Oakwood
Whereas some tonic waters go too far with flavors and become a soda/drink all of their own, Sanpellegrino instead opts for a tonic water that is designed to elevate the spirit you pair with it— not fight with it. The oak wood is a nice grounding touch that doesn’t take away from the star of your gin and tonic.
Recommended.
Sanpellegrino Tonica Oakwood is available from Amazon.