Bass & Flinders Distillery Angry Ant Gin (700ml)

[LOT 1 tasted] Perfect clarity showing considerable viscosity. Dryish bouquet captivates with intriguing fruity aromas reminiscent of Maraschino cherries, fresh prunes, rhubarb tart or semi-ripe nashi pear. Second pass ups the vibrancy and introduces citrus peel, pine needle, sap and balsa-wood like notes. Feather light on entry, developing with a medium bodied, restrained piney / sappy profile and a powerful lemon cough lozenge surge that surprises for this ABV. Ends poised and lively with suggestions of liquorice root, lemon grass, eucalyptus oil and late Vapo-rub in the aftertaste. Exceptionally long. A highly creative, idiosyncratic expression that pushes the boundaries of what gin can be. 40% Alc./ Vol.

Other reviews... While there have been several gins to utilise ants as botanicals, few within the already niche category are as unique as requiring and researching the pheromones of said ants. Accompanied by a set of botanicals grown and conserved on the remote Wooleen Station in Western Australia, this gin seeks to encapsulate the flavours of this extraordinary, arid area. The gin presents an abundant creamy, butter-like texture through the palate, which plays into some dry wood with almost dessicated hazelnut notes. The botanicals themselves draw in more floral, citrus profiles, individually subtle, but together creating an undertow of complexity. There are hues of fruity, dried berries throughout, a little elusive, but adding to the mystique of the spirit. Punchy lemon oil and eucalyptus race through the gin, creating a cord between the different botanicals, unifying them. 91 points - Jess Clayfield, winecompanion.com