Gin is a complex and captivating world worth exploring similar to wines or whiskies. Proper tasting helps unlock all the nuances of this drink, identify subtle aromas, and understand the signature styles of different producers. Let’s dive into the world of gin to learn how to fully enjoy this spirit.
Preparing for tasting
Before starting the tasting, there are some important fundamentals that will enhance your experience:
- Suitable glass – A tulip-shaped glass is ideal, as it concentrates aromas and allows you to better experience them. The glass should be rather narrow so that scents don’t disperse too quickly.
- Correct temperature – Gin should be cool but not ice-cold (approximately 15-18°C). Too cold a temperature suppresses aromas and doesn’t allow the full richness of flavors to emerge.
- Clean palate – Avoid strong surrounding scents and abstain from heavily spiced foods, cigarettes, or perfumes for at least 30 minutes before tasting.
- Time and environment – Allow enough time and create a calm environment so you can focus on all the nuances.
Steps for gin tasting
1. Assessing appearance
Start with visual assessment:
- Clarity and transparency – Most gins are crystal clear, but barrel-aged or unfiltered gins like Junimperium Winter Edition might be slightly cloudy or have a tint of color.
- Viscosity – Swirl the glass and observe how the liquid flows down the sides. An oilier texture often indicates higher alcohol content or glycerin-rich composition.
2. Getting to know the aroma
Assessing aroma is key in gin tasting:
- Initial scent perception – Sniff the glass from about 2-3 cm away. Note the first impression – does juniper dominate, citrus, or something else entirely?
- Deeper exploration – Smell more closely, but carefully, to avoid the “burning” sensation of alcohol. Try to identify more complex aromas.
- “Dilution technique” – Add a drop of water and smell again. Water helps open up the aromas hidden in the gin, especially with higher-alcohol gins like Junimperium Navy Strength Gin.
- Aroma circle – Try to identify different nuances:
- Juniper (the main component of gin)
- Citrus (lemon, lime, orange)
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom)
- Herbs (coriander, basil, rosemary)
- Flowers (irises, roses)
- Fruits (apples, cherries, plums)
3. Tasting
Now it’s time to taste the gin:
- Small sip – Take a small amount in your mouth and let it roll across your entire tongue.
- Oxygen access – Draw air through the gin to activate flavors and develop their full profile.
- Flavor development – Notice how the flavor develops: initial taste impression, middle palate, and finish (aftertaste after swallowing).
- Texture – Note the mouthfeel: is the gin oily, light, creamy, or sharp.
Understanding different gin styles
To understand the gin tasting experience, it’s important to know the main styles:
London Dry Gin
A classic style with strong juniper berry dominance. Dry, clear, and often spicy. Junimperium Blended Dry Gin represents this style with a strong juniper flavor and light citrus and peppery notes.
Navy Strength Gin
Higher alcohol content gin (at least 57%) with more intense flavor and aroma profile. Junimperium Navy Strength Gin offers a powerful taste experience and is ideal in more flavorful cocktails.
Fruit-enriched gins
These gins are flavored with various berries and fruits, creating a richer flavor spectrum:
- Cherry Edition – Slightly floral gin with strong cherry aroma, which has a distinctive taste unlike any other gin.
- Rhubarb Edition – Gin with recognizable rhubarb flavor, aromatic and with a slightly honey-like character.
Seasonal gins
Gins with seasonal ingredients and flavors that reflect the time of year:
- Summer Edition – Fresh flavors and light notes, created for sunny summer days.
- Winter Edition – Warm, spicy, and with slightly sweet-sour flavor nuances.
Barrel-aged gins
Barrel-aged gins are a special category that has gained increasing popularity in recent years. Aging in wooden barrels gives gin unique flavors and aromas.
Junimperium has created Barrel Finished Cherry Gin, which is aged for about 3 months in French acacia barrels. This gives the drink floral, more delicate notes, a long aftertaste, and a special mouthfeel.
Gin and tonics
Understanding the combination of gin and tonic is also part of tasting, since gin & tonic is one of the most popular ways to enjoy gin.
Quality tonics emphasize gin flavor profiles differently:
- Indian Tonic – A classic, slightly quinine-based tonic that works well with dry gins.
- Cocktail kits – Junimperium also offers ready-made G&T kits that help you find the right balance.
Tasting experiences at Junimperium Distillery
Gin tasting can also be learned under the guidance of professionals. Junimperium Distillery offers regular tours where you’ll learn about gin history, production methods, and enjoy professionally guided tasting sessions.
During the tour you’ll get:
- An overview of gin history
- Learn how different ingredients affect the final product
- Try different gins under the guidance of an experienced expert
- Get to know the unique flavor profiles of Junimperium products
Junimperium gins are created by master distiller Jaan Mõttus, whose precise craftsmanship and thorough knowledge give each gin its own character.
Enhance your tasting experience
A truly perfect gin experience is not limited to just tasting neat gin:
- Expand your tasting – Compare different gins side by side to notice subtle differences between them.
- Combination – Try the same gin both neat and with tonic to see how the flavor profile changes.
- Visit Junimperium Bar – Here you can experience professionally made cocktails that showcase the versatility of gin and combination possibilities.
- Distinguish ingredients – Learn to recognize the basic botanical components so you can identify them in gin. Junimperium uses about 60 different components in making their gin selection.
Tasting plan for a beginner gin enthusiast
If you’re just starting to explore the world of gin, a logical tasting order could be:
- Blended Dry Gin – Classic taste that introduces the essence of gin
- Flavored Gin (like Cherry or Rhubarb) – Shows how flavor profiles can be enriched
- Navy Strength – Introduces the impact of higher alcohol content on flavor
- Barrel Finished – Shows how barrel aging adds depth to gin
When starting your gin journey, it’s worth experiencing Junimperium Distillery tours, where you’ll learn more about gin from experienced masters than from any book.
Gin tasting is an art that requires attention and practice but offers a rich and diverse taste experience in return. Enjoy your journey of discovery in the world of gin!