No. 209 Gin

Product of: United States

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The original 209 spirits were made in the 1880s at a distillery on the Edge Hill wine estate. Over a century later (in 2000), Leslie Rudd found the old distillery building after buying the estate and was inspired to build a new distillery and create a new No. 209 Gin.

Packaged in a heavy broad shouldered bottle resembling old Dutch jenever crock bottles, Leslie’s gin launched on 1st August 2005.

The folk at 209 set out to make a modern-styled gin and proudly state, “We’re not your grandfather’s gin”. Here’s how they eloquently describe the flavour profile of No. 209 Gin: “No. 209 opens with a beautifully aromatic nose of predominately citrus and floral notes with a hint of spiciness. First across the palette are the citrus high notes, with lemon predominate followed by a hint of orange. As the spirit warms in the mouth, delicate floral notes are liberated from the bergamot and coriander. Mid palette, there is a pepper-like warmth from the emerging cardamom and juniper with a wonderful counterpoint from the mint-like components of the cardamom. As the gin passes the palette, the cassia and other warm spice notes become prominent. The cassia in particular will linger in the aftertaste, encouraging another sip.”

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 19/02/2015

Appearance:

Crystal clear.

Aroma:

Bergamot orange zest, pungent green cardamom spice and fresh lavender. Juniper is subdued but very evident. Faint menthol notes.

Taste:

Initial faint sweetness. Citrusy bergamot, lemon zest and rosewater with cardamom, juniper and cassia. The high alcohol content contributes weight and invigorating peppery notes. Water opens to reveal fresh menthol freshness.

Aftertaste:

Floral lavender rides a peppery juniper wave.

Overall:

Refreshing and invigorating cardamom from start to long finish sets this distinctive but elegant gin apart.