5060244030770_1.jpg
  • 92

Colombo No.7 Dry Gin (700ml)

UNITED KINGDOM
$84. 99
Bottle
$1019.88 Dozen
ABV: 43.1%
Based on a 70-year-old-recipe that took Tanqueray No.7 as its inspiration, Colombo No.7 was conceived at a time when many traditional botanicals were difficult to procure due to trade blockades during World War II. Alternatives were found in locally grown cinnamon, ginger and curry leaf. On working on the recreation of the original recipe, the grandson of the founder, Amal de Silva Wijeyeratne commented: “We did try to see if we could enhance it and tried adding other botanicals and spices. We tried lemon grass, turmeric, cardamom etc., but somehow we always found that more spices didn’t necessarily make it better and seemed to take it out of balance." He adds, "My grandfather was always a perfectionist, and Colombo No.7 was already perfect. We didn’t change a thing, and in about two months the gin was ready.”
The gin is presently distilled and bottled in England using a 100% grain spirit base.

Tasting note: Powerful aromas of pine needle, curry leaf and citrus peel with air contact releasing more of the former. A pure, relaxed delivery with attractive tangy citrus, restrained juniper, white pepper, and a medium long dried herbal finish with trace curry leaf heat in the aftertaste. London dry inspired with a nicely harmonised flavour range. 43.1% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews… Colombo No.7 has landed at a funny time in our gin drinking history; when it was first made 70 years ago it would have been unimaginably alien with its citrus absence and curry leaf presence, but tasted next to gins created in the last couple of years it almost cries of tradition. Juniper leads the way to taste, with liquorice and angelica lending an earthy, almost dusty sweetness and a soft mouth. Cinnamon sings loud and bright, though doesn’t whip at the tongue in a typically barbarous manner, instead conspiring with the ginger and curry leaf to bring a fragrant warmth and depth. Coriander seed rounds out the flavour, bringing a hint of citrus and nuts and prolonging the finish. - http://www.ginfoundry.com

…Having read the list of botanicals, I was expecting something a bit weird tasting, and possibly over spiced. I am not a fan of cinnamon either. So It was a relief to discover that Colombo No. 7 is a properly balanced gin. Juniper and citrus aromas and flavours abound, followed by subtle cinnamon. The finish has great white pepper notes. In case you were wondering it doesn’t taste of curry! Pretty much a perfect G&T, crisp with juniper and citrus with the curry leaves coming through on the finish. I used their suggested garnish of curry leaves which was delicious, but there are plenty of other garnishes that could work well like ginger, lime or mango… - theginqueen.com

Silver medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2016