Jinzu Gin (700ml)

This was the gin that won Diageo's "Show Your Spirit Competition" in 2013, which challenges Europe's bartenders to create exciting new spirits for inclusion in Diageo’s Reserve Brands portfolio.

The winner, Dee Davies, merged traditional botanicals with cherry blossom, yuzu and sake to create an East meets West hybrid. The gin went into production at Diageo’s Cameronbridge distillery in Scotland and was initially distilled under the watchful eye of Tanqueray's Tom Nichol. The Junmai sake was also produced onsite. After the two components were blended, the gin was cut back with demineralised water. In short, it's a gin that's Scottish made but Japanese inspired (the name comes from a river in the Toyama prefecture). For anyone who enjoyed Cambridge Distillery's wonderful 'Japanese Gin', this should equally appeal. Jinzu has already garnered very good reports on the blogosphere. The beautiful packaging is a plus.

Tasting note: Atypical aromas with an interesting fruity aspect: mandarnine / lemon? Green apple? Fruit blossom? Muted whitepaper warmth. Viscous, mildly yeasty-bready entry building with low key juniper and flavours of herbal tea and chamomile, turning almost sake-like to finish. Excellent balance. Intriguing Asian-inspired gin. 41.3% Alc./Vol.