Beerenweine 1832 Gin

Aroma: Strong focus on juniper and there is a distinct woody pine note (but that’s also just a facet of juniper). Palate: Juniper, coriander, cardamom. It’s a very simple gin profile but it certainly has good presence. Finish: Medium. Crisp, clean juniper with mild herbal notes. This is not one of the best gins I’ve tasted but it’s not all that bad either. I’d wager this has a short list of ingredients but they have been well used (a good gin does not need an extensive list of ingredients, just 4-6 will make a great gin if they are well handled). It’s a capable middle-ground spirit that can hold its own against anything else in this crowded field, but if you compare it with something top-shelf its limitations will immediately be apparent. Very well suited to service in a bar as it will shine through in mixed drinks. I don’t know much else about this product but I believe “Beerenweine” is a brand name rather than a distillery, and this is sourced gin. The company features a wide range of drinks on their website, they are involved with medieval performance and culture, and their products are apparently available at markets throughout the country (I bought my bottle at the Esslingen medieval Christmas market). My first impression was to give this 3 stars but on my scale that equates with a descriptor of “above average” and I don’t think it is quite that good, so I’m ranking it as being on the good side of average. “Average” 78/100 (2.75 stars)