Not wanting to fall further behind, Advent Gin day thirteen began on schedule with a wee bottle of XII Gin, a bottle that answers the challenge of naming their gin by using the Roman numerals for the *twelve* plants and spices they use in distilling. It is a *gin* gin, for which I am pleased.
It hails from Haute-Provence, and the herbs and spices (1 more than KFC!) do give a distinctive taste. The overall flavour has a fuller base than some gins; this may be what they mean by its ‘rich and authentic taste’ (I disapprove of uneigentlich gins). The herbal and floral notes are reticent, though, so that it tastes as if its pulling its punches. Come on, XII, dial it up a little!
I’ve referred to one or two of the previous offerings as ‘gin for people who don’t like gin’; XII is a good dry gin that’s not likely to give offence, unless from gin lovers who want a bit more punch. I like it well enough, but in a few minutes I won’t be able to form a strong recollection of just how it tasted — while I’m still thinking about that Isle of Harris from a week ago, even the Hoxton Tropical. I don’t think it probable that I’ll reach out to pick a bottle of XII Dry Gin off the shelf.