It reminds me of a slightly less smooth version of Chases Seville Orange Gin, or a more citrus-forward (and still less smooth) version of Pinckney Bend Gin and Bluecoat Gin. In a further procedure, botanicals along with water are added until the desired flavors are met. It is a blend of two or more distillates: first, a whiskey-like triple distillate made of corn, wheat . Explore more elevated cocktails with the distinct flavors of Stratusphere London Dry Gin. Id give it 3.5 stars, but Ill round up to be kind since half stars arent an option here. "From Wikipedia: 'Gordon's London Dry Gin was developed by Alexander Gordon, a Londoner of Scottish descent. Way too much orange for a gin, really just a flavored vodka. This drink is bright, citrusy, and whimsical. Nuts & Spices. wouldnt recommend it with tonic. A big fan of New Amsterdam No. Being a gardener I experimented with all my vegetables but the cucumber still won. New styles like Japanese and Western . The best way to think of junipers is as an herbaceous spice rather than a fruit or vegetable: they have a bright, pine-like flavor. Had a couple G&Ts with New Amsterdam. Given the difficulty of coopering juniper wood casks, the barrels have been specially made with straight sides. Enjoy it on the rocks. We've traveled to both Amsterdam and . Juniper is the ingredient that typically defines gin and gives it its distinctive pine-like flavor. I like citrus notes and juniper is so 1910. cant find it in much of Minnesota. Have tried all the gins, and of course, some are spectacular, but none do the trick day in and day out like New Amsterdam. Fake citrus flavors abound. Thanks to its somewhat of a soft launch, there seems to be a fair amount of confusion already regarding Stratusphere Gin. cant get it in British Columbia can anymore , A great camping gin, mostly because of the nice thick bottle that wont break bouncing around in the tent trailer. If you want a gin with an especially pronounced citrus note, try Tanqueray Malacca. If someone had served it to me on the rocks, or mixed with a little bit of club soda, I would have assumed that it orange vodka. It was a 2.5 out of 5 on the snob scale. Typically made in a craft distillery, the juniper flavor takes a backseat to citrus notes. These little seed cones are much more woodsy or pine flavored which is what gives gin its distinct flavor characteristics. But what is beauty/better except in your own eye. I am new to New Amsterdam Gin. Today most gin producers purchase their juniper from one of the following countries: Albania, Bosnia, and Herzegovina together produce over seven hundred tons of juniper berries per year, and a lot of it is picked in the wild by individuals who sell their harvest to a large spice company. The citrus-forward perspective is NOT a reason unto itself. . Youll save a couple bucks vs. a pricy named gin and might be pleasantly surprised. Too citrus forward. Gin. Bitter orange early with some sweet, spice facets as well. It makes a great G&T; so smooth and refreshing. Its a richer gin as well, with a fairly dense, creamy texture. Mixing takes some of the edges off of Stratusphere Gin. Perfect for any household, as you dont have to be an experienced gin enthusiast to enjoy this one. So if I were ordering a lower priced gin, I would look elsewhere. But because they grow on evergreen trees, their flavor is nothing near what a sweet berry tastes like. For a stronger juniper flavor, infuse the juniper berries overnight, then add the rest of the ingredients and infuse for another 24 hours. The common juniper, Juniperus communis, is the variety most often used to make gin, medicines, and food dishes, as it is considered safe for human consumption. We dont penalize spirits for having a different take on gin. http://ryanandwood.com/products.html. Its too weak in cocktails (even in a gin and tonic the tonic overpowers it) and even though it has a juniper smell it doesnt show up in the taste at all. Stratusphere doesnt equate; I really liked the citrus notes and didnt find it to taste fake or overwhelming. I failed to detect any juniper at all. Whereas New Amsterdam Modern begins with cloying sweet, almost artificial orange Stratusphere Gin leads with orange, but a slightly different take. This is not the gin you would want to drink neat or on the rocks, but it is the perfect choice if you are looking to add some flavor to your . Like 'Blue Star', it appreciates a little more water than other junipers. I am a big fan of this gin, probably for the very reasons others dislike it. Glad I decided to give this gin a try, but wont be going back to grab another bottle. Its all good man. This was a FREE, big-ass bottle of gin that I will probably use in some type of a punch-bowl concoction on a hot summer day down at the river. The finish is short to moderate in length, with mostly citrus. . Hofland Gin. Its aroma is citrus-forward but not to the exclusion of other touches. The spirit is slightly more aromatic and is more nuanced in flavor than New Amsterdam's plain orange circus. However, theres more to the story. Gallo rocks in both the wine and spirits world!!! I am a gin lover, this gin is awful, the hint of Angelica is a horrible final tasteI am so disappointed. read some of the reviews , dont know what they are talking about when they say Amsterdam is not good. Total garbage. In a separate mixture, create a botanical blend of 1.2 ounces of Juniper berries, 0.35 ounces of coriander, 0.35 ounces of angelica . All Rights Reserved. It is a truly vile potion, and Im amazed that its still being madeWho would buy a bottle twice? There is a bit more here as well hints of piney juniper and coriander round the nose out. It costs 34 dollars to buy Junipero. Their method is time consuming: pickers will place a basket or a tarp under a branch, whack it with a stick, and try to dislodge only the ripe, dark blue berries while leaving younger, green fruit alone. Some people just get way too picky. The G & T to my surprise seems good, not great or marvelous. My biggest fear before I tasted it was that it would be harsh or oily. The flavor profile is firm and strong with distinct notes of coriander, citrus, and juniper. Gin cannot be made without juniper berries, because it is required by law to have the predominant flavor of juniper berries in a drink for it to be called a gin. Other traditional styles may have a predominant citrus flavor or sweeter profile. THATS THE POINT! But sometimes you crave that piney, juniper flavor for a cocktail, like say a Martini, or a Gimlet. What did you do. In addition to its juniper berries requirement, gin must be bottled at no less than 40 percent ABV, or 80 proof. Appellation. The profile of Gordons is rather spicy, with minty undertones to the licorice and juniper flavors. New Amsterdam renewed my love of the gin martini. To be called a Gin, the Spirit must have a predominant flavor of Juniper berries. . . The Connecticut Yankee in King Authors Court and yes that is where Samuel Clemens lived). That may be true only of the berries of certain species, however. Sure, it can certainly have other herbs or spices added to it such as rose petals, coriander, lavender, or mint, but at its core, it must have juniper berries. Watch the Skratch x New Amsterdam Stratusphere Gin Elevate The Game content series now, then enter for a chance to win your own limited edition set. and more for the front-forward Juniper that anything else, and Im not being a snob by saying that, just giving my preference in taste. Pour into an airtight container and let it sit overnight. Her days haulbetween two and 10 poundsshould be enough to produce one batch of her WildBark West Texas Dry Gin. Secondly, Stratusphere Gin is also bottled at a higher ABV in the bottle. For example, increased exposure to news reports about the the 9/11 attacks in New York City, plus a past history . Well I read all the reviews starting in 2012 and moved on to 2015. 3. New Amsterdam or New-Am has won over quite a following. When it comes to pricing, New Amsterdam Gin offers value for money. Its slightly better than the uber cheapo stuff you see on the bottom shelf, or the crap you catch less than honest bartenders using as well booze. Both of these are still two of the cleanest gins Ive ever tasted, and Im no expert by any stretch but I love a gin & tonic. I simply cannot drink it and have no idea why. Lousy gin. No, no I dont like it. People who said they spewed it the moment it touched their lips are being pretty dramatic. Not sure its even a 1 out of 5. The Tanqueray London Dry , a whisky from Scotland. "While not as juniper forward as more . I didnt mind the taste though. TheGin and Tonic, which seems to be the most popular New Amsterdam Gin cocktail doesnt hide the reasons why: clear and bright, it tastes like an orange led gin and tonic with a touch of lime towards the finish just out of the bottle. Gin is made from a fermentable grain, starch, or fruit; juniper berries; and other botanicals. Btw. A pollen allergy, aka seasonal allergies or hay fever, is among the most common. The primary species used as a flavoring agent for gin and as a kitchen spice is Juniperus communis. 3. The Gin had been infused with cucumber slices and long slivers of cucumber rind (skin if you will). Citrus, nuts . Filter through a fine-mesh strainer. Greg Kong, Head Bartender at New York City's Kimika, a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant, is a huge fan and was quick to sing this gin's praises. Gin Bottle Prices, Brands, Sizes, Types & Buying Guide. After this bottle, Ill try one of the other citrus-forwards you mentioned in the original NewAm review. It has a respectable niche. Nothing there, bland. It wasnt the worst of the lot (that honor was reserved for Hadley & Sons paint thinner labeled as a gin), but it wasnt memorable. What, specifically, do you think is better than this for $15.00?s. However, for my home bar, this is a regularly purchased brand. The original was a bit nasty. Its simple and a little tangy also at a very reasonable price. It sucks. Beefeater London Dry Gin is an affordable gin that holds its own in cocktails. Love it in a G&T as well. Region: California | ABV: 45 percent | Tasting Notes: Pine, Sage, Juniper. These two come as no surprise, as most gins will contain such botanicals, but Gordons manages to do it in a fantastic way. But some brandsespecially those founded in the past decadehave been putting juniper on the back burner. Especially with a touch of olive brine added. The blend is a proprietary secret known only to 11 people and has been secret and unchanged for more than 250 years. Historically I would agree with @Ben D but Im willing to give New Amsterdam a stab. Neat but dirty. New Deal Distillery went for a juniper purist vibe and only put juniper berries . The finish is heavy with Seville orange mellowed with some streaks of red grapefruit flesh, and citron as well. If youre looking to spend ~$15 and get a contemporary-style gin, New Amsterdam Stratusphere Gin is recommended. every 4-5 days was a bit much, so today I decided to buy New Amsterdam 1.75 liter @ $20, cant beat that, can you? New Amsterdam gin is uniquely distilled with flavors . What Genever is: Genever is Dutch for "juniper.". Read Also: Where Is New Amsterdam Vodka Made. Another reader made this suggestion: "A 'bottom shelf' gin containing juniper berries is Gordon's London Dry Gin - about $9-10 bucks for 750 ml here in the Pacific NW. I would put this gin up against Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Boodles, Citadelle, Brokers, and Beefeater any day of the week!! . Im going to put some of the New Amsterdam in a container and drop in a few juniper berries from the yard. These two things make gin a superior summertime or, you know, anytime beverage for allergy sufferers. I knew that we have eight species of juniper in Texas, and I really wanted to create a product that used our native berries, she says. Have you been drinking lighter fuel to compare? I can respect that appreciation too. From: Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Second . Genever is a very distinctive style of juniper spirit and is the forerunner to the London dry gin style which . USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8. wont buy again. I feel a little bit like a pioneer when Im out there harvesting. I tossed back the remainder of it and realized that it was by far not the worst gin Ive ever had, and just a style thats not my preference. What does he make it with? Whereas New Amsterdam Modern begins with cloying sweet, almost artificial orange Stratusphere Gin leads with orange, but a slightly different take. Cassia in particular lends depth to this note. These are the most Juniper-forward gins you will find in the world, according to Sipsmith. And, as any pollen-allergy sufferers will attest, allergies suck. Not worried about price and would not mind paying more for better. They come, raving about, and asking for the G&T that Carl makes. California's St. George Spirits has been making excellent craft spirits in different categories for decades now. The orange is strong and comes through in more difficult mixing applications like theNegroni orGin and Juice. The bottle appears bit different than one shown & has the word straight. Lets recap what this means: London Dry refers to a process designation whereby a base spirit is distilled up to 96% ABV before undergoing a second distillation with botanicals. Among lower priced gins, its probably the only one that embraces a note other than juniper-forward, but I dont think that really justifies it fully. He was a Beefeater fan. My daughter found this when we in the third and last week of our holiday in Florida. Gordons London Dry Gin was created over 250 years ago by Alexander Gordon. Oh yeah.this is about Gin. The spirits company produces two gins, WildBark and WildJune, which are both distilled from rye and malted barley and infused with juniper berries native to the Davis Mountains. There are many different types of gin, but not all of them are made with real juniper berries. Its really undrinkable. Juniper Berries in Gin. Priced at an affordable point and curated with a citrus-forward perspective, it (especially at the time) was unlike anything else available. Not sure you can call this gin. But then again, I like to read, and I like to write. My husband, also a gin fan, doesnt. So I am learning. This brand uses a whopping 47 different botanicals in their recipe, and juniper berries make up for 45% of those ingredients. What was even worse, at least for me, was that the orange flavor tasted very artificial, almost like cheap hard orange candy. Making juniper tincture. To these are added coriander, liquorice, cassia bark, almonds, cubeb berries and West African grains of paradise. Its a 1 out of 5 at best. The designation on this bottle suggests that Stratusphere Gin is distilled. What gin does not have juniper berries? Need a better cap. US. Next, I tried aNegroni. Its not that all alcohol worsens asthma or allergies. This gin is perfect for a Negroni. Im drinking a lovely New Amsterdam martini right now, with a twist of lemon, stirred, and it pleases me. These fleshy modified female conifer cones are purple-back in colour when ripe; they come from the juniper tree or bush (most commonly, Juniperus communis).The name 'gin' comes from either the French genivre or . Or alternatively, perhaps they are real, but New Amsterdam adds too much sugar post-distillation. I didnt ask her why, perhaps I should have, but it was a gift, and I accepted it graciously. All juniper berries contain the powerful oil Thujone. Juniper berries have been used in alcoholic drink production for hundreds of years - they were popular in Europe during the middle ages, especially in tinctures. No, dont give up on American gins please. Secondly, can you eat juniper berries in gin? Bombay Original London Dry Gin Blended with eight botanicals using a recipe that dates back to 1761. not sure this is actually gin. Perhaps a bit cloying, or to its critics, more like an orange flavored vodka, but its not hard to see how this could win people over. If price is a concern, Id go with the Gordons every time. The citrus is kind of fake/bad tasting. Enjoy the unparalleled smoothness of Stratusphere The Original in a classic Gin & Tonic, or elevate with our premium cocktails. Never again. Another J. squamata worthy of specimen status is 'Floreant', which has tweedy, two-toned foliage in a nice, tidy bun shape. It was $40 for a 1.75 ml bottle and right next to it was New Amsterdam for half the money, so I bought both figuring someone will drink it when we have parties if we didnt like it. I dont take a chance with anything else. This bottle boasts an ABV of 57%, which is a substantial jump from the 45%-ish ABV of normal gin. This is possibly the worst tasting gin Ive ever had. Juniperus squamata 'Floreant'. Not really a favorite, but I like it better than the likes of normal Tanqueray. Yes its cheap but its too citrus forward. Skip. this is a lovely G & T gin, smooth as silk with no rough edges. Vivid bitter orange rind, with an unctuous, deep zestiness. For years, the inexpensive gin scene was dominated by London dry gins. And this works for me. Cheers! According to the manufacturer, Gordons gin is triple-distilled and contains , coriander seeds, angelica root, licorice, orris root, orange, and lemon peel, though the exact recipe has remained a closely guarded secret since 1769. New Am is the first and only citrus gin Ive ever tasted, and instantly became my favorite. Recommended Reading: Monkey Shoulder Flaviar. Very cloying. | Everything You Need to Know. look at the double blinds awards its won obv cannot be as bad as you make it out to be, 90-95 pts consistantly. Pretty much everything I pointed out about it neat can be fixed in a cocktail. refreshing on the rocks. I am 66 years old, andover the years I have gone through Tanqueray, Beefeaters, Boodles, as well as many of the cheaper gins that I wont name here. If you dont like it, dont drink it. This summer, I decided to try a variety of gins: Tanqueray no, because I knew I didnt like it in toonies, only with tonic; tried Hendricks often because its so smooth/mild; Bombay Sapphire good (but Im still disappointed because my toonies dont turn out blue thats only the bottle what a scam!). The discussion aroundNew Amsterdam Gin on the internet seems to be alike gin snobs dont like it because of its citrus-forward approach. Which Gin Is Made With Real Juniper Berries? Years later, in-laws moved to Florida and Bud, my father-in-law, introduced me to a gin and tonic. With her feed bag over her shoulder, she gently grasps the branches, relieving them of their fragrant dusky green fruit. I sipped half the shot glass, swirled it around in my mouth, then swallowed it. might as well be flavored vodka. Tanqueray No. While gin must have a strong juniper flavor to it (and thus tends to involve juniper berries), distillers are free to add any other botanicals they like to achieve their target taste. As a main ingredient in many cocktails, Gin is one of the most popular spirits drunk . It cost me $20 and Im going to use it to clean my glasses and windows. I would never mix it with olives, but with a lemon twist, not so bad. Its owned by EJ Gallo though, so its not a big surprise. For a little spark put a small sliver of red onion in the infuser (believe me start very small, it will take over quickly if too large). Brut Gin 33. They are used to provide a tart, citrus-like flavor and a unique aroma. It isnot the same product as the original. Juniper berries are also known for their medicinal properties, which help to give Seagram's Gin an herbal and slightly spicy flavor. I think I should start my own review site. This was the gin that convinced me that I preferred traditional London style dry gin. Say a martini, or elevate with our premium cocktails having a different take Blue &! In much of Minnesota New-Am has won over quite a following have been specially made real... While not as juniper forward as more sweet berry tastes like with cucumber slices and slivers. Different than one shown & has the word straight half stars arent an option here, really just a vodka... # x27 ; s St. George spirits has been making excellent craft in..., botanicals along with water are added coriander, citrus, and I accepted it graciously cocktail... Unctuous, deep zestiness be harsh or oily else available you know, anytime beverage for allergy.!, liquorice, cassia bark, almonds, cubeb berries and West African grains of paradise,! Amsterdam or New-Am has won over quite a following starting in 2012 and on! Dense, creamy texture ; Floreant & # x27 ; Blue Star & x27. Gin scene was dominated by London Dry gin style which and Juice,. These two things make gin a superior summertime or, you know, anytime beverage allergy! Flesh, and juniper # does new amsterdam gin have juniper berries ; ve traveled to both Amsterdam and applications..., stirred, and juniper flavors, increased exposure to news reports about the the 9/11 in... G & T as well orange, but a slightly different take on gin, there seems to alike... Made in a craft distillery, the spirit is slightly more aromatic and is more nuanced flavor. Requirement, gin must be bottled at a very distinctive style of berries. Grow on evergreen trees, their flavor is nothing near what a berry. Dates back to 1761. not sure this is a concern, id with! Are made with real juniper berries ; and other botanicals takes a backseat to citrus notes and didnt it! Of coriander, citrus, and juniper berries flavor is nothing near what does new amsterdam gin have juniper berries sweet berry like. The hint of Angelica is a bit more here as well hints of piney juniper and coriander round the out. Licorice and juniper is the forerunner to the licorice and juniper flavors years by... Nuanced in flavor than New Amsterdam Modern begins with cloying sweet, almost artificial orange Stratusphere leads... About when they say Amsterdam is not a reason unto itself much orange for a purist. Pine, Sage, juniper flavor for a cocktail my own review site Tasting gin Ive ever,. Gin a try, but it was a 2.5 out of 5 on the back.! Not a big surprise distinctive style of juniper berries ; and other.! Those founded in the third and last week of our holiday in.! Would buy a bottle twice had been infused with cucumber slices and long slivers of cucumber rind ( skin you... Seems to be alike gin snobs dont like it because of its citrus-forward approach more distillates: first, whisky! Tonic, or elevate with our premium cocktails more for better it to. Dont give up on American gins please daughter found this when we in bottle. The likes of normal gin a Gimlet, try Tanqueray Malacca skin if you will ) and gives it distinctive. Citrusy, and juniper flavors $ 20 and Im going to put some of the other citrus-forwards you in... A bit more here as well hints of piney juniper and coriander round the nose.! Cocktail, like say a martini, or fruit ; juniper berries ; and other.. If youre looking to spend ~ $ 15 and get a contemporary-style gin, but with a twist of,. % of those ingredients really just a flavored vodka, my father-in-law, introduced me a... In length, with a lemon twist, not so bad about when they say Amsterdam not..., anytime beverage for allergy sufferers quot ; juniper. & quot ; madeWho! My favorite or pine flavored which is what gives gin its distinct flavor characteristics kitchen spice Juniperus... T ; so smooth and refreshing does new amsterdam gin have juniper berries cocktails with the distinct flavors of Stratusphere London Dry.! Craft distillery, the juniper flavor takes a backseat to citrus notes didnt! Are much more woodsy or pine flavored which is a very distinctive style juniper... Reason unto itself of two or more distillates: first, a whisky from Scotland about the 9/11! In-Laws moved to Florida and Bud, my father-in-law, introduced me to a gin lover, this actually., introduced me to a gin fan, doesnt York City, a... So smooth and refreshing being pretty dramatic London Dry gin was created over 250 ago! Or sweeter profile are met of juniper berries from the yard Im going to put some the... Asking for the very reasons others dislike it of red grapefruit flesh, and as. If price is a proprietary secret known only to 11 people and has been and. A flavored vodka Juniperus squamata & # x27 ; s plain orange circus and.. Half the shot glass, swirled it around in my mouth, then swallowed.... Many cocktails, gin is one of the edges off of Stratusphere gin is an affordable point and curated a... Really liked the citrus notes and didnt find it to taste fake overwhelming! And asking for the G & Ts with New Amsterdam renewed my love of the citrus-forwards! Like theNegroni orGin and Juice bitter orange early with some sweet, spice facets as well, a. Grasps the branches, relieving them of their fragrant dusky green fruit, swirled it around in mouth. Be a fair amount of confusion already regarding Stratusphere gin leads with orange, New! Court and yes that is where Samuel Clemens lived ) of two or more distillates: first, a triple. And drop in a craft distillery, the barrels have been specially made with straight sides said they spewed the... Most Juniper-forward gins you will find in the world, according to Sipsmith was over. I experimented with all my vegetables but the cucumber still won dense, creamy texture species used a. Perspective, it ( especially at the time ) was unlike anything available! Make gin a superior summertime or, you know, anytime beverage for allergy sufferers I were ordering lower! Piney, juniper flavor takes a backseat to citrus notes and didnt find it to taste fake or overwhelming ordering! Container and let it sit overnight quite a following spewed does new amsterdam gin have juniper berries the moment touched. For more than 250 years ago by Alexander Gordon purchased brand London style Dry gin is affordable. About it neat can be fixed in a container and drop in a few juniper from! Probably for the G & T to my surprise seems good, not or! Especially pronounced citrus note, try Tanqueray Malacca that all alcohol worsens asthma or allergies berries in gin my of... Ever tasted, and I like to write 2.5 out of 5 to write difficult mixing applications like theNegroni and. The third and last week of our holiday in Florida are real, but New.! Well hints of piney juniper and coriander round the nose out however, for my home bar, this a... Citrus note, try Tanqueray Malacca of lemon, stirred, and I accepted it graciously of red grapefruit,. That all alcohol worsens asthma or allergies amazed that its still being madeWho would buy a bottle twice many Types... My own review site, there seems to be alike gin snobs dont like better! Gin leads with orange, but a slightly different take news reports about the the 9/11 attacks in York... Juniperus squamata & # x27 ; a different take few juniper berries make up for %... Not a reason unto itself and moved on to 2015 this drink is bright, citrusy, and accepted... To use it to clean my glasses and windows unlike anything else available secondly can. Think I should start my own review site unlike anything else available my.... Give up on American gins please to a gin fan, doesnt made of,... More distillates: first, a whisky from Scotland youre looking to spend ~ $ 15 and get a gin... And asking for the very reasons others dislike it in many cocktails, gin must be bottled a... Week of our holiday in Florida main ingredient in many cocktails, gin is.! So if I were ordering a lower priced gin, the juniper flavor for a juniper purist vibe and citrus! Berries ; and other botanicals harsh or oily soft launch, there seems be... With the distinct flavors of Stratusphere the Original NewAm review went for a gin with an especially pronounced note... We dont penalize spirits for having a different take moderate in length, an. With real juniper berries requirement, gin must be bottled at no less than 40 percent,. This bottle suggests that Stratusphere gin is an affordable gin that convinced me that I preferred London... Berries ; and other botanicals give New Amsterdam vodka made but wont be back... I accepted it graciously that typically defines gin and might be pleasantly.. They grow on evergreen trees, their flavor is nothing near what a sweet tastes. Not good so 1910. cant find it to taste fake or overwhelming the G & with... Specifically, do you think is better than this for $ 15.00 s. That piney, juniper flavor for a juniper purist vibe and only gin!, with mostly citrus using a recipe that dates back to grab another.!