Scapegrace Gold Navy Strength Gin

Blind gin tasting, Sydney, April 20, 2019. On Saturday I took part in a blind tasting of 9 gins and I'm recording the group consensus notes here in order of increasing score. Gin #9 on the day was Scapegrace Gold (57% abv). This gin may have suffered from being the last on the card, as by that time palates were getting tired. It was still rated equal 2nd of the day. The notes were very consistent between the group, and maybe the abv masked subtle hints and only showed the most outstanding facets. I noted simply that it was a boldly assertive juniper-citrus nose with an equally bold palate. Everyone noted that this was obviously a high proof spirit, with guesses ranging from 50-60% abv. A strong star anise and licorice note was commented on in both the nose and palate, and two of the group said they noticed a tannic edge, and thought it may have been a lightly barrel-aged gin (it's not). I noted that it was powerful and uncompromising, with a profile more straightforward than complex, but that it was an outstanding mixer with tonic and most likely "couldn't be drowned if you tried". Every member of the tasting group rated it as 4/5 (but it should be noted that when the price was revealed some of the group agreed that as good as it is, it is not great value for money). "Very Good" : 85/100 (4 stars)

This is an outstanding Gin. It has a wonderful citrus blend and the juniper and other spices really round out the taste of it. Now the liquid inside a beautiful bottle is HOT. I know it is a "Navy Strength" gin but wow my first drink was a hot one. That is not to say it was bad but I do not drink much high proof gin so it was strong. When I made my Gin and Tonic this stuff was amazing the citrus notes moved to the front and it was almost like a different drink. When I made a martini with it I found that it needed a full measure of vermouth. I usually use a half measure but the flavor was just wrong. When I used a full measure of Noilly Prat extra dry vermouth it was the best martini I have ever tasted. I highly recommend this Gin but it is not cheap if you like Gin especially more citrus blends then this one will be a winner. Updated information my local store now carries this regularly so it is now my High-End fancy gin for the holidays. Have a Merry Christmas everyone.

Nice gin which just won top London Dry Gin out of 600 entries at the IWSC awards. One of the few I found easy and nice to drink straight and its 57%! Made in my old home town, Christchurch, NZ. Very citrus forward, perfect viscous body and long aftertaste.

What a smooth Navy Strength and makes a great gin & tonic.

Oily, soft, spicy. Low juniper. Well balanced.

Tasty but not for me, blooms on tongue, cherry