JANE CLARE
grapefruit and lemongrass. Ah, the lovely citrus notes really rise to the occasion of a crisp, springtime sip.
It has a sister gin,
(£17) which has won a silver award at the International Spirits and Wine competition.
has launched in Sainsbury’s this month which is great timing for people like me (who prefer
their gins matched with springtime gardens). This is another which has 12 botanicals; including juniper, coriander, angelica root, lemon peel, licorice, cinnamon, almond, savory, iris root, orange peel and bergamot.
It is finished with bergamot oil, which I’m told should give an aroma of Earl Grey tea. Does it? Well, yes, but I actually loved this gin because of its perfectly attuned crisp freshness and elegant bottle. This was one of my favourites of my spring season.
The third in my trio is
(RRP from £36.95 online from barentszgin.com and Master of Malt). This is such a warming lush
mandarin colour. But a pour reveals the spirit is as clear as day. The lush colour magic is from the glass bottle.
The gin is infused with jasmine flowers and mandarin peel. A dip of the nose reveals that soft, subtle mandarin with an essence of candied peel. It is delightful with simple tonic water and a twist of mandarin peel.
■
(£1.30, Sainsburys and Ocado for 200ml) is a subtle change to the norm. It is infused with flavours of pear, orange and hibiscus. I tried it without the customary gin accessory and it was
very refreshing indeed. Spare a thought …
YES we know it has been a struggle to buy practically anything recently, let alone wine and spirits supplies.
But hear this – many local independent wine merchants are continuing with deliveries. Their choices are much more diverse than the retail chains. They’re also local businesses which need your support more than ever.
Please seek them out. Run a Google search to find your nearest ones, or ask the questions in any community Facebook feed. They need you to survive. Stay safe and healthy.
■ Jane is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Find her on social media and online as One Foot in the Grapes.