The German gin with an African theme is back, this time in a limited edition to celebrate the company’s ten-year anniversary. This gin has a rich, herbal aroma that reminds me of those Ricola cough sweets. (That’s a good thing, if you’re unsure.) I also get buchu on the nose, which I’ve had before in other gins, plus strong contributions from mint and grapefruit. There’s not as much juniper as I would have liked — purists take note. But still, it’s a pleasant aroma.
It’s creamy on the palate, but again could have more juniper for my taste. I tried it diluted equal parts with Fever Tree Naturally Light tonic and it didn’t particularly rock my world.
Where this really sings is in an equal-measures Gin & It made with Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino. This is a fabulous pairing where the two components really lift each other, making a drink much greater than the sum of its parts. You can read more about the Gin & It in my book, details below.
So, that’s my advice: skip the tonic. This is a gin that fares better in cocktails.
Elephant Gin, African Explorer, 40% ABV
Limited edition, RRP £45. Available exclusively at the Craft Gin Club (available nationwide to members and non-members) and www.elephant-gin.com.
Know botanicals:
- Juniper
- Buchu
- African nutmeg
- White Ginger
- Sumbala seeds
- Baobab
- Lion’s tail
- Bergamot
- Grapefruit
- Mint
My new book, Gin A Tasting Course, is “a flavour-led approach to the world of gin” featuring over 100 gins reviewed and grouped by flavour profile. It’s published by DK and available in all good bookshops, or you can order a copy online »
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