Tonight’s Advent Gin is Toberymory (Isle of Mull), and it makes a pronounced contrast to yesterday’s Hoxton Tropical. Where Hoxton Tropical slaps you in the face with flavour, Tobermory opts for an extremely subtle approach, subtle to the extent that it may be overwhelmed even by tonic water.
The gin professes notes of citrus, vanilla, & malt, of which I recognised principally vanilla (with a hint of citrus). The botanicals steered very clear of medicinal flavours, with a faint floral ending. I’d have encouraged a slightly bolder taste, if only to fend off complaints that it’s too pale. But for someone who wants to like gin, who’s put off by both strong botanicals and secondary flavourings, and who generally appreciates subtlety and gentleness in taste, Tobermory scores well. I think I’ll stick closer to the sterner tastes, but I respect finesse and what Tobermory does here.