Having opened its doors earlier this year (2021), customers will be able to get their hands on a selection of home and natively reared meats, Scottish craft gins, hampers & gifts, specialist food & drinks as well as explore tasting events, distillery tours and farm experiences. Photo Credit: The Wee Farm Distllery Unlike London Dry Gin, which can be found in plenty of variations across the planet, there’s only one brand that sells Plymouth Gin. It’s aptly called the same name. Plymouth Gin differs from London Dry Gin in that it’s slightly less dry – likely due to the higher concentration of root ingredients. It has a slightly earthier flavor and comes in two core strengths – standard and Navy Strength.

Gin – The Gin Shelf Dog and Spoon Distillery; Science Project 6a Gin – The Gin Shelf

The second expression from Raven Spirits to make it onto our list, like its sister expression, Hrafn Thought & Memory features mandarin as its signature botanical. Made with 17 botanicals including its signature ingredient, carageen seaweed (also known as Irish moss), foraged on the island, Barra Atlantic Gin helps transports you to the Outer Hebridean island – and the most westerly distillery in the country. With a core gin lineup that stands true to the classic ethos of gin making, with a playful charm and points of difference that make them uniquely Scottish, it is a hallmark of quality that is receiving well deserved recognition. Photo Credit: Scottish Gin Awards The first thing that strikes a chord with me about Dog and Spoon Distillery is the charming humour and blunt honesty with which they introduce their brand. The dynamic duo are now attempting to turn their green credentials in to ‘green fingers’, looking to grow their own botanicals and fruits to become more self sufficient & remove miles from the road of having to import. Impressively, juniper trees have been planted, along with a lemon plant and bay trees. It’s a project that obviously requires growth (pun intended), but from small acorns grow mighty oaks. It’s a sentiment that Seb and Tony will also be hoping applies to their business and reputation as awareness increases. Photo Credit: Dog and Spoon DistilleryDisclosure: free sample bottle previously provided to Nic’s Gin & Beer and From the Gin Shelf for review. No, on average, gin and vodka are similar in their alcohol content but in the high-percentage spectrum of vodkas, vodka is stronger than gin. The minimum ABV (alcohol by volume) percentage of gin varies; in Europe it is 37.5 percent and in the United States 40 percent ABV.

Isle of Harris Gin Review | From the Gin Shelf Isle of Harris Gin Review | From the Gin Shelf

So would this be the ‘best lesson ever’ or red faces all round? Pay attention now, the class is about to begin… Linden Pride, co-owner of Dante NYC, notes it is particularly excellent in a martini. “Preferred as a 50/50 martini, Fords Gin has the bright citrus notes, and mild juniper palate that gives this gin the strength to be easily distinguished in a martini, whilst having the nuances to balance with the fragrance of the vermouth." All pieces and opinions are my own and importantly I ask that you don't just take my word for it. I actively encourage you to try these wonderful drinks for yourself to see if you agree or disagree with my views. Described as being juniper and citrus forward, it is (in print at least) a classic gin that has a character that is very much ‘right up my street’.

On the tasting, and there’s an impressive amped up level of concentration from the original Drovers experience. The juniper grows in power, strutting with a confidence and resinous swagger, whilst the allspice and pink peppercorns flex their muscles. To taste, and there is a much brighter pinch of grapefruit-esq citrus on the palate, whilst the juniper remains pleasingly bold and robust. What I do find slightly surprising is that, despite the weightier ABV, the neat vapours are not aggressive or noticeably ’boozier’. To taste, and I found myself gasping for air on initial sip. WOWZERS! It is all encompassing – like being engulfed in the namesake waves, drowning in flavour (in the very best possible way!). The result is a unique gin that encompasses every inch of its name, which translates to “The Beauty of the Seasons.” Alongside citrus, tea, and herbal flavors comes a spicy edge from the ginger root added during the distillation process.