Taster biographies

Bethany Whymark

After studying English literature at university, Bethany spent five years working as a journalist for regional newspaper groups in the east of England before moving into the spirits industry. She now edits Gin Magazine, trade website TheDrinksReport.com and Rum Magazine.

David T. Smith

David T. Smith is an independent spirits writer and consultant who specialises in gin. He is a chair judge for a number of spirits competitions and has written widely on the subject, incuding The Craft of Gin, Forgotten Spirits and Long Lost Liqueurs and Gin Tonica. He was winner of the 2016 Gin Communicator of the Year award.

THE PROCESS

• All samples are blind tasted, with ABV and style the only information disclosed.

• Samples are tasted individually over a two-week period.

• Tasters are provided tasting and scoring guidelines for consistency.

• The top scorer is awarded Editor’s Choice.

• Scores of 17+ qualify for our top five Recommended gins award.

DISTELL INTERNATIONAL

ABV: 43%

Country: SOUTH AFRICA Style: Contemporary

Bethany

Nose: Eton Mess-like – ripe red fruits, meringue, and sweetened cream. Hints of peach. Gentle florals and a little nuttiness.

Palate: Vanilla rooibos tea and lemon peel. Then juniper and coriander notes come through with some warming spice.

Finish: Warm and drying with lingering red fruits and hints of that rooibos.

Comments: A well-flavoured gin that deserves a

mix where its profile can shine.

David

Nose: A succulent nose with a luscious fruitiness and resinous pine notes. There’s also a little residual alcohol and citrus.

Palate: Soft in texture, with jammy – almost gummy – fruit flavours neatly combined with exotic floral notes; this reminds me of fynbos of the Cape. The flavour profile is backed up by good notes of resinous juniper and coriander.

Finish: Subtle, leafy spice, a little earthiness, and lingering menthol pepper.

Comments: A lovely South African gin: vibrant, exciting, and delicious.