The James of James Gin is James Might, that famous host of High Gear and, it seems, an entire bunch of cooking- and travel-related TV exhibits. He additionally owns a pub within the English countryside, and he makes gin — with 5 expressions presently below his belt. I do know all this as a result of Might defined it to me throughout a go to to Austin, Texas, to advertise the discharge of his American Mustard expression.
We’re not reviewing that one right this moment however slightly take a look at two completely different expressions, #1 and #5, that are named Asian Parsnip and California Dreamgin’ respectively.
We’ll add critiques of extra James Gin expressions right here as we obtain them.
All are 80 proof and bottled in 700ml decanters.
James Gin JG.01 Asian Parsnip Assessment
There isn’t a such factor as an Asian parsnip, after all. The identify refers to 2 separate parts within the aromatics invoice — Asian spices and parsnips, common parsnips. Full components embrace parsnip, ginger, caraway seed, cubeb pepper, fenugreek, cardamom, grains of paradise, liquorice root, candy orange, juniper, angelica root, and coriander seed.
The nostril reveals a reasonably basic London dry profile in the beginning, that includes loads of juniper, cardamom, and coriander. With time in glass, it leans extra into the Asianness promised by the product’s identify, because the earthier spice parts tackle an incense-like high quality, with extra seen caraway within the combine. It’s not overblown, nonetheless, and in any other case it presents a reasonably on level, basic gin aroma. The Asian parts of the gin are extra seen on the palate, the place the piney juniper notes are milder and dusky, toasted spices evoke a Moroccan bazaar and wafting hints of incense. There’s a delicate butteriness to the gin, a creamy high quality that maybe attracts a few of its unctuousness from the inclusion of earthy parsnips within the invoice. Coriander and cardamom proceed to weave out and in of a surprisingly light midpalate and end, although the conclusion has a barely racy punch of juniper and cracked black pepper. Very delicate, however fairly versatile. A- / $50
James Gin JG.05 California Dreamgin’ Assessment
Impressed by California hippie tradition, with a heavy give attention to mushrooms, although right here non-psychedelic. Full botanical listing: juniper, coriander, angelica root, mushroom, patchouli leaf, liquorice root, lemon peel, oregano, and bay leaf.
“Primarily based on mushrooms” is an formidable method for any spirit, but when it’s going to work anyplace, it’s going to work in gin. It sort-of does on this occasion, providing a very earthy nostril that may be a bit pungent should you’re not ready for it. The inclusion of patchouli and oregano infuse a musky depth to the gin, solely amplifying the mushroom character even additional. The palate doesn’t diverge from fragrant expectations. If something, it’s an excellent clearer expression of mushroom and anise, with coriander and bay leaf all well-evidenced. I’ve by no means tasted patchouli however I’ve to think about the tarry, bitter, and really inexperienced parts within the gin should be pushed a minimum of partially by this perfumy inclusion, significantly on the end, which lingers without end like that man on Haight Avenue. It’s all a bit a lot, and whereas I’m positive there’s a cocktail on the market that serves as a showcase for this gin’s biggest options, I don’t fairly know what it’s. B / $50
James Gin JG.01 Asian Parsnip
USD50
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