Hendrick's Orbium Gin

For being available in the US since 2018, it's odd that I'm only just now seeing this 6 years later. Regardless, one can always rely on Hendrick's to crank out variant after variant of gin, all of which aren't necessarily winners, but they're certainly different enough to try them out. From my understanding, this sounds like a gin & tonic all rolled into one, minus the carbonation. This has potential to at least be tasty, but I'm not sure of the uses here, minus just adding some soda and hoping that the G&T flavor is concentrated and comes through. As a not-exactly-inexpensive experiment, I do hope this does not end up being too potent, especially since I already have several other Hendrick's variants on the shelf that take a little longer to go through as they are. The nose is very clean, almost "cleaning chemicals" clean, but the juniper is the very simple star here. There's also a note of black pepper and a slight vegetal body, almost like a blanco tequila. Every fiber in my body begs this to be paired with lime, especially since there's almost no citrus anywhere on the nose, leaving the aforementioned simplicity to remain through repeated smelling. The initial flavor is juniper focused and actually has a touch of fruitiness, but a bitter punch is right around the corner. The quinine comes through quickly and confidently, and although the flavor and body turn from approachable and light to now dry, bitter, and aggressive, it's still very much welcomed by a classic tonic lover. Repeated sips take the fruitiness from before and transform it into a very dry collection of citrus pith and peels, although mostly the former. I love the simplicity here, which isn't to speak on the flavor, but instead how this tastes exactly how I expected it to, with no real surprises or redirects. I still don't really know the best use cases for it, but my first adventure is definitely going to be ice cold, freshly opened club soda or seltzer, and a big squeeze of juicy, oily lime. I would be wary to combine this with more tonic, especially tonic waters I'm usually fond of that also utilize fresh quinine, given that there really isn't anything redeeming about the base gin, other than very basic juniper. Having said all that, as a standalone spirit, I don't find myself craving coming back to it, and although I think a nice ice cube would simultaneously provide some complexity and mellowness, at the end of the day, this doesn't seem like a necessity buy.

Tasted both neat and on the rocks. I absolutely loved both Hendrix Lunar and Neptunia. Both are excellent neat and both make a superb Martini, although I lean slightly towards the Lunar for that cocktail. I'm so impressed with the Hendrix special releases that I've decided I'll just buy them on sight and sample them all as I can. This is a pretty interesting gin. I'm not a fan of G&T, and this has quite a bit of the quinine from tonic. I'm not opposed to that, but for me the first association I get with this is a blush of raspberry. It reminds me of Nolet's Silver. The nose is sweet, and there's plenty of sweet and floral elements on the palate. This is both complex and quite potent with a lot of the flavors competing for attention. This may be a good choice for a tall drink. I'll have to play with it in a Martini or more likely a White Lady. I'm sure it will be interesting in a good way. This isn't quite my jam. I love where Hendrix is going and this is above average, but not a likely repeat on my bar. That's on me. My scale holds a 2.5 as the solid median of liquors and this is far above that.

This gin has a very strong floral scent and taste, the blossom coming through intensely. Effective in a gin fizz or with tonic, where that taste isn’t competing against other elements, but not good in other, more flavor rich cocktails (Negroni, etc.). Ultimately, Hendricks with a floral flourish, and when up or in cocktails with ingredients that don’t compete, it’s very satisfying.

It’s like regular Hendrick’s cranked up to eleven! All subtleties are gone. Right from the beginning, you taste more bitterness and more floral notes without losing any sense of refreshment. The wormwood doesn’t taste like absinthe so much as just earthiness. I don’t do a ton of sweet gin cocktails, so this works perfect in martinis, g&t’s, and Negronis. Would definitely get again.

Nose is incredibly floral. First sip is incredible. Notes of the quinine and floral bouquet hit you in the face and yet you love it. The finish is a little strong--as is most gin straight. Adding 2:1 ratio of club soda and putting on ice changes the game: all the joy of a spectacular Gin and Tonic, with none of the sugar.

On the nose juniper, tree bark, a hint of wormwood, quinine, pear and citrus peel. On the palate citrus, cake, herbs, flowers, vanilla icing, pepper and another hint of wormwood. Lingering peppery finish; this is where the wormwood is most apparent. Crisp, rich, and fruity with a bit of spice. Interesting stuff for sure.