Gin -G'vine Gin
Eurowinegate
Click for larger image
G'vine Gin
Eurowinegate, Cognac, France
Imported by Eurowinegate, N.A., Mannhasset, New York
PROOF: 80 (40%)
TYPE: Unclassifiable
AGE: Not applicable
PRICE: $38.00 - 750ML
Notes: This rather idiosyncratic new member of gin family is made in a handmade copper pot still and is infused with green grape flowers among many other ingredients in a ugni blanc (cognac grape) alcohol base, that give it a unique aroma and flavor profile.It is perhaps unique among gins that it uses a grape alcohol rather than the traditional grain.This may make it attractive to celiacs and other gluten intolerant folks.
Appearance: Crystal clear, a few legs on swirling. Slightly oily appearance to body.
First Impression: More like opening a spice jar than a regular gin, cassia bark, cubeb, coriander, cardamon, nutmeg, licorice, then the lime and orange citrus and other aromatics adding to the blend as it breathes.
Taste: Bitter powdered tree bark, melange of spices that taste more like a curry - or chinese medicine then a gin. Hits the toungue on the midline edges with a astringent drying. I think I am allergic to the pollen or whatever it is as my tongue is starting to swell and my throat is constricting a bit. Where did I put that Epi pen?
Drinks: No, didn't find it that interesting or helpful for a drink. Everyone who tried them did not finish their samples.
Bottle: Squat cylindrical clear glass bottle with a greenish cast to the top with a short neck and heavy bottom- resembles a apothecary bottle from years past. Label and artwork are however très moderne. Could be mistaken for a bath product or spa product at a distance (now there's a thought! - might be good for poison ivy or some other running sores as an astringent).
Final Thoughts: This one reminds me of 5 spice powder but bitter, pollen, and bitter alkaloid treebark - particularly the virola tree from South America which a ethnobotanist introduced me to one night. Thank God it did not have the same effect -I don't have 3 days to spare these days. Foul, bitter and evil tasting. Avoid.
Website: http://www.G-vine.com
Website is well laid out but not terribly informative. No details on distillation and heavy emphasis on the grape flowers and little else. More information would be useful.
