Stone Pine Distillery Dry Gin (700ml)

Another award winning Australian Dry Gin hits the market. Like most other recent Australian offerings, Stone Pine is pot distilled in small batches, gently infusing a blend of native and traditional botanicals to create a citrus-driven gin.

Proprietors, Bev and Ian Glen have their roots in the Scottish brewing and distilling industry. They moved to Australia complete with children and dog in 2006 with the aim of establishing Bathurst’s first microdistillery. Bev, with her background in running various Edinburgh pubs, manages the Cellar Door, while Ian is the distiller. He is a biochemist and holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Brewing & Distilling from Heriot-Watt University. He is also an Associate Member of the Institute of Brewing & Distilling and has spent his entire career in the malting, brewing and distilling industry.

Retasted Feb 2017 Expressive aromas of piney juniper, dried herbs and lemon thyme. Air contact maintains the focus on lemon / citrus. Follows through with an attractive, easy-drinking combination of lime and low-key juniper, finishing peppery, warming, medium long. Ups the concentration on the previous batch. Endlessly mixable. 40% Alc./Vol.

First tasted 2014 Crystal clear. Initially restrained by London Dry standards offering juniper and dried citrus peel in the first pass, becoming more expansive in the second inspection with a definitive citrus focus. A light entry builds into a medium bodied, citrus and coriander accented profile. Good balance. Closes mildly chalky, tangy, peppery and vibrant. Integrates well with tonic. 40% Alc./Vol. 89 points

Silver medal at the 2013 International Wine & Spirit Competition in London.

Other reviews... Stone Pine has fast become one of my favourite Aussie gins. Pot-distilled in small batches, Stone Pine Gin is firmly rooted in the London Dry style. Unlike many distillers, who readily share information on the botanicals used, the ingredients in Stone Pine Gin are a closely guarded secret. Although I have managed to find out from Ian Glen, the distiller, that the citrus notes of the gin are derived from the distillation of native finger limes. If you haven’t tried these delicious fruits, you’ve missed out. Often described as “citrus caviar”, they are being cultivated commercially and are becoming a key ingredient in many restaurants and bars. On first tasting Stone Pine Gin, citrus is the initial flavour with the sweetness of the limes very noticeable . It then develops into a warmer flavour of increasing intensity and finishes with a slight spiciness. I love it in a martini, either dirty or as it’s served here with a twist. - theginqueen.com