Triple Juniper Gin - Never Never Distilling Co

A neat sip of this McLaren Vale boutique gin is absolutely delicious. In a G&T with ice, lemon and bog standard tonic, at first the flavour gets a little lost, overtaken by sweetness. But the deep rounded juniper base persists and eventually shines through, making this a very pleasant aperitif. With a quality Mediterranean-style tonic it’s very good. Take care not to accidentally buy low-sugar tonic, because it’s horrible, with this or any other gin. Lemon only enhances the flavour.

Tanqueray 10, Tanqueray

A small-batch version of the famous brand, Tanqueray 10 is said to be different because it uses whole citrus rather than dried peel and botanicals that round out the juniper. But the dominant flavour is almost aniseed rather than citrus. This may not be to all tastes but it at least heads off the overly sweet tendency of many botanical gins. The aniseed retains the upper hand regardless of tonic style. It’s different, unusual and almost certainly an acquired taste.

Wild Citrus Gin, 5Nines Distillery

Very citrusy indeed, it was odd to find this Adelaide Hills boutique gin paired with ginger beer; a Moscow Mule is all very well, but it’s not a G&T. It actually was a good combo but, as officially recommended on the label, Mediterranean-style tonic is better. As promoted this gin is simply delicious on its own over ice, but take care on the pour because it packs a punch. The sweetness of the citrus, especially the mandarin, dominates the spices and teeters on the verge of overwhelming a drier palate, but this would make a refreshing summer drink with plenty of ice. Do add the mint leaves as advised by the makers.

Native Spirits, 23rd St Distillery

You can really taste the finger lime and lemon myrtle in this unique gin. It has an almost spritzig, lemonady quality, which is saved from over-sweetness by its other botanicals – including wattle seed and pepperberry. It’s a very different taste from the company’s Signature Gin. Not a flavour for everyone, but it’s definitely worth a try.

Signature Gin, 23rd St Distillery

It’s been such a thrill to see more boutique gins popping up in the non-specialist liquor outlets, although sometimes the price can be eye-popping due to the excessive federal excise.
This one is from the South Australian Riverland town of Renmark and it’s another warm little number, with notes of mandarin and lime.
This can finish a little sweet on the palate, so choice of tonic is key if mixing.
It is available in neat little 200ml tasters, as well as the standard 700ml bottles, which is the perfect way to check it out.
It has been a revelation to a lover of the London dry style – heavy on the juniper – learning to appreciate the more delicate and subtle botanical flavours created by local distilleries.
Keep an eye out for special offers to try some of these lovely gins and form a new habit.

Ogin, KI Spirits

Small distillery gin is just so different from the mass-produced product.
This distinctive offering from Kangaroo Island has a heady herbal bouquet, with a tinge of orange blossom, which promises all that the gin delivers.
This is not one for a classic G&T – the quinine swamps the delicate flavours. It is far better sipped neat, served over ice with the suggested orange and rosemary garnish. Also recommended on the label is using it as the foundations for a martini and this is a great suggestion – stirred, not shaken.
A worthy winner of an international trophy for best contemporary gin, the only quibble is with the rather awkward glass stopper. Once this has been successfully navigated, it’s all good.
KISPIRITS.COM.AU

Thymus Gin - Encounter Coast Spirits

This boutique distillery was opened in late 2015 at Hindmarsh Valley, just outside Victor Harbor. The handcrafted spirit is distilled in a copper still and infused with lavender and lemon thyme. It is delicious. Encounter Coast Spirits also makes vodka and several intriguing liqueurs, as well as a range of fruity vinegars, jams and chutneys. It is fantastic to see people with initiative producing top quality products that compete with the best in the world, such as the amazing spirits coming out of Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. It is a pity however that their progress is impeded by an excessive excise of $40 per litre. This gobsmacking tax is a huge impediment to small businesses competing with the large commercial operators. It means that almost half the retail price of these top quality products goes in tax. When you consider that according to recent reports many major companies have made an art of tax avoidance it means the playing field is far from level. Gin lovers who would like to buy Australian but can’t afford these local boutique products should take heed and demand better. www.encountercoastspirits.com.au