I’m not sure I’m ready for Advent Gin day 16, the St. George Botanivore Gin. It boasts 19 botanicals. I remember a few days ago when XII was proud of twelve.
All the nonsense aside, I wonder whether they’ll be able to keep so many variables in hand while producing a top-shelf gin.
First sips:a very full, thick taste — not astringent at all, but with a satisfying dense impact. I’m trying to tease out the notes, but the blending has successfully woven them together into a harmonious, earthy combination. The St George people compare it to a meadow in bloom, but it’s not floral. Neither is it woody; the juniper and, perhaps, anise (or coriander?) lead a low to medium pitch harmony. I think I’m detecting subtle orange peel and orange notes as it grows on my palate. Again, no angular astringency. I have earlier talked about flavoured or ‘soft’ gins as gin for people who don’t like gin; this, I’d say, is a well-grounded, full-bodied gin for people who think they have to opt for fancified or muted gins. Herbal but on the woody side, botanical without astringency, St George Botanivore is turning a grouchy old sceptic into an impressed admirer.