Old Raj Dry Gin (55%)

Introduction: Old Raj 55% carries a deeply personal connection for me. It was introduced to me by my late best friend, Rakesh, and he was the one who insisted I try the 110-proof version specifically. Ever since then, every time I see or pour Old Raj, I think of him. Beyond the sentiment, Old Raj is unusual because it isn’t fully clear — it has a faint golden tint from saffron added after distillation. That saffron influences both appearance and flavor, and it’s one of the things that sets Old Raj apart. This bottle has history, personality, and presence, and revisiting it feels long overdue. Nose: The nose on Old Raj is classic gin turned up a notch, stronger but not abrasive. There is bright, slightly bitter citrus peel that leans toward grapefruit, followed by warm spice notes including cinnamon, clove, and coriander seed. Juniper makes a firm appearance, and the higher proof gives everything a more aromatic lift without being sharp. It smells traditional but bold — a classic London dry profile with more intensity. Taste: The palate is strong but surprisingly controlled for 55% ABV. The saffron contributes a floral, lightly sweet, slightly spicy character right at the front. That moves quickly into sharper citrus, again resembling grapefruit peel with both brightness and a faint bitterness. Coriander seed adds earthiness, and the juniper runs steadily throughout without overpowering anything. The taste is bold, floral, spicy, and pleasantly bitter, with more structure and weight than most gins. Finish: The finish shifts much drier and spicier. There is tongue-tingling cinnamon, a touch of black tea tannin, and even a faint hint of leather. The higher proof keeps the finish long and warm, but it stays clean even as the flavors narrow into a more one-dimensional spicy dryness. Conclusion: Old Raj 110 is one of the higher-proof gins on the market, and at 55% ABV, it brings impressive intensity without ever becoming harsh. It is absolutely sippable neat, but the bold flavor and structure also makes it excellent for cocktails. Old Raj 110 is a premium gin, but if you’re used to collecting or exploring higher-end bottles, the price is justified. It’s versatile, memorable, and worth keeping in regular rotation.

Nose: Full-bodied with warm spicy aromas. This is the antithesis of bright juniper-forward gins. Coriander, cumin, allspice, tumeric, anise, juniper, dusky citrus - but it's melded together into a single mellow aromatic presence. Very complete. Palate: A sweet and somewhat oily arrival that completely disguises the 55% abv strength. The palate is mellow (maybe that's the saffron?) and it's clean but not crisp, being more creamy in texture and there's a fruity complexity. Over time spices emerge but it remains well balanced. Finish: Long. Dusky spices and sweet lemon fade away slowly. This gin is bold but not aggressive. The palate is well balanced and tasting it neat is a little like tasting a cask-strength single malt. In fact this gin is quite enjoyable with just a dash of plain water. Although it's called a dry gin, on the palate it is more mellow than many - even slightly sweet. It's in mixed drinks where this really shines and once the botanical oils are released by dilution, and in the presence of quinine, it develops a freshness and sparkle and you can appreciate how much complexity it has. The warm spices never retreat, however, and it can take a lot of dilution before being overpowered. It doesn't like citrus that much and adding lemon or lime brings out a hard metallic edge on the finish. Good in all respects, but don't be surprised if your first taste seems underwhelming. You need to spend time getting to know this one and in the end it's a personal decision as to whether the fairly high price is warranted. "Very Good" : 85/100 (4 stars)

Nose: Strong, orange peel and peppery are quite dominant, some licorice, and flowers are always behind. Palate: Straight up - I am also a whisky fan and oh it is so much like tasting a cask strength whisky. Pepper and spicy on tongue with bitterness of fruit peels, and after you swallow the flavours flow back from the throat to bring more of the fruit peels but also some herbs, and a smoky leftover. The creamy texture is also uncommon on gins and it keeps the flavours longer on the tongue. With Tonic (Fever Tree) - more of the lighter characters come out like floral with orange peel, and scents of cinnamon. Finish: As if it never ends, very long on the pleasant bitterness of orange peel and juniper. Very interesting and it is rare for a gin to handle so well with straight up. Sorry for not exactly knowing what saffron tastes like - but I believe its addition likely have brought the flavours together in a strange harmony.

Juniper and citrus on the nose, lightly floral with spices in the background. Citrus, juniper, and a little ethanol in the mouth. Floral quality follows with spices like coriander and peppercorn coming on in a long full finish. Full oily mouthfeel, hint of straw color in the bottle. At this 55 ABV it serves well in classic cocktails, but the citrus and underlying floral make it worthy of drinking by itself.

Strong orange peel smell and flavor, moderate juniper, moderate spice, plenty of ethanol on the nose but that’s to be expected at 55%. All in all, it’s a damn good gin if you don’t want a dominating juniper/sage/pine flavor and want something closer to a flavored vodka.

Juniper nose with hints of orange. Sweet juniper flavor with notes of floral. Juniper & orange finish. Overall flavor reminds me of Fruit Loops cereal. Thanks JT.