We got there in the end,” he says. “We’re classified. You can have flavored gins but the fact that it changed color was a whole thing.” Most notably, in 2018 it went to London and won best London Dry Gin at the International Spirits Awards. Talk about a road win. Tasting Notes Scapegrace Gin is also distinctively bottled in dark glass with with a shiny medallion in the center that may remind American gins drinkers of Brooklyn Gin.

It’s not had to see why Scapegrace Gin has been awarded so many accolades over the past couple years. It’s a clean and bright classic style gin that uses a fairly extensive botanical bill for balance in an expert way. Juniper is the star, but not at the expense of balance. My favorites are the Martini and Negroni with Scapegrace Gin, but it wouldn’t be out of place with a good tonic water. I liked the pairing of Fever Tree’s Aromatic Tonic Water the best— but it worked across the board. Overall, Scapegrace Gin New Zealand’s Scapegrace Gin is distilled in a 19th century John Dore whisky still just outside of the North Island’s biggest city. It features 12 botanicals and “water torn from New Zealand’s Southern Alps.” The finish has a moderate note of licorice (but not anise). Warm and slightly rooty, juniper and mild spice hovers for a moderate length finish. Given the range of tasting notes in the gin, Neal suggests trying the spirit first in its signature serve: a tall chilled gin and tonic, garnished with a green apple slice. The malic acid in the apple plays quite well off the palate.

Scapegrace Black

Initially Scapegrace Gin shows some orange, lemon and a mild pepperiness. Juniper with pine and green facets holds court mid-palate. The combination of spices begins to lend an earthy, complex warmth. None of the individual botanicals come through and dominate on their own. It’s a warm baking spice melange of coriander, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Soft juniper immediately greets the nose when pouring Scapegrace Gin. Subtle hints of spice and citrus lend roundness— nutmeg and lemon zest in particular. It’s clean, clear and has a balanced classic-style gin nose. Despite being present in the botanical bill, notoriously aggressive botanicals like clove and cardamom add color but don’t take over.