Normally my palate has always been drawn to aged spirits like whisky, rum and cognac. Recently something has changed and I’ve been inducted into a magnificent gin club called “Enbärsälskarnas Nykterhetsförbund” or in English “The Juniper Lovers’ Sobriety Association”. This pun amused me immensely and I have embraced gin with all my heart.
A price worthy gin I’ve recently discovered is Iceberg
Gin. It is a traditional London Dry Gin distilled by Iceberg Vodka Corporation.
According to the distillers "The planet’s most naturally pure water,
lovingly harvested from chunks of 12,000 year-old North Atlantic icebergs, is
carefully blended in a centuries-old recipe of juniper, pepper and secret botanicals.
The result is an over-proof gin of distinction for the true gin connoisseur and
those who would aspire to join that noble league." Well, the idea that
good water makes good vodka is an often heard marketing statement. The theory
here must be that great water makes great gin also.
It is a light gin for beginners and the “The Beverage Testing
Institute” noted that it was "barely recognizable as a gin" and
"clearly crafted for the vodka drinker." This faint praise might make
an interesting choice for those looking for gins that are far less heavy-handed
than some of the higher-proofed, classic profiles like Bombay Saphire.
I do like this gin so here are some tasting notes:
Colour: Crystalline, Water White.
Aroma: Juniper, orange peel and pine needles with a hint
of liquorice and citrus.
Taste: The clear juniper flavour is what you first
percept. Gradually hints of other herbs, citrus and pepper follows. This gin is
quite light and smooth in character.
After Taste: The finish is soft but with a hint of spice
from the pepper in the taste. Some herbal flavours also linger on the tongue.
Number at Systembolaget: 86265
Cost in Sweden: 329 SEK
Cost in China: Unknown
Cost in US: Unknown
I think anyone would be content with glass of Iceberg Gin
with soda water and lime in their hand.
Written by Kristian Kull
