Rogue Society Premium Dry Gin (700ml)

New Zealand distillers are slowly catching up to Australia's burgeoning gin scene. The latest entry was launched by a group of gin enthusiasts in 2014. Located in Auckland, 'Rogue Society' employs a hand beaten 19th century John Dore copper pot still. Their wheat based spirit is infused with a botanical range that includes juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, coriander seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, cassia bark, orris root and nutmeg.

Co-founder, Richard Bourke comments, “We’ve been working on it for about three years. We always used to get together and enjoy drinking gin, sampling different kinds of gin from offshore, and we realised that a lot of people didn’t share the passion that we did for gin. We called this gin grief, and we saw it in people who maybe didn’t understand gin as well as we did, or those who maybe had a bad experience with gin, or maybe didn’t like tonic. So we went out and decided to create our own gin brand, and our own label,” says Bourke.

Reportedly based on a 300 year old recipe, the gin comes handsomely packaged in a replica centuries-old Geneva style bottle.

Tasting note: Crystal clear, moderately viscous appearance. Vibrant and expressive aromas of lemon myrtle yoghurt, white pepper, light cardamom and coriander seed. A medium bodied, cream-textured and mildly peppery entry is followed by flavours of juniper, grapefruit and coriander seed and a tangy, peel finish with good length and freshness. A balanced, citrus-led style for all applications. 42.2% Alc./Vol.