Jaggi Botanical Gin...Give it a try...Now try it again.
Jaggi Botanical Gin was another offering in this month's Flavourly box; this time a Gin that we had heard of, but never tried. The Gin is handcrafted using traditional methods and the finest botanicals at the Strathearn Distillery in Perthshire, Scotland; a Distillery with the distinction of winning the Gold Award (Scottish Craft Spirit (All spirits category)) for their Oaked Highland Gin, at the UK's first Craft Spirits Awards in 2015. With an overall earthy experience, warming herbal notes, and a hint of sweetness, we take a look at whether Jaggi Botanical Gin can live up to Strathearn's exacting standards in creating premium, award winning, products.
Our first impressions of the Gin were, somewhat, divided. We can see this being something of a 'Marmite' Gin in that it will divide drinkers into two camps: Those who love it, and those who don't. There really is no room for fence sitting with this Gin. Having said that, we would urge anyone falling into the latter category to give it a second chance. At Worldwide Gin, we initially found ourselves divided, with one of us finding the Gin rather palatable, the other...Not so much. This division didn't mean that one of us was going to write the Gin off, rather it meant that it was deserving of a second tasting, and it was during that second tasting that we agreed that, actually, Jaggi Botanical Gin is something quite unique. Will it be our regular go-to Gin? Probably not. Will it be a Gin that we'd purchase for when we fancy something a little bit different? Absolutely. It's certainly not a Gin we'd choose to sip neat, but pair it with a premium tonic water and this Gin becomes a little bit special.
Botanicals
Juniper, coriander seeds, bay leaf, nutmeg, thistle, orange peel, lemon peel and angelica root.
On the Nose
Initially herbal, with juniper coming to the fore, with the angelica root providing a subtle, nettle-like, scent, the Gin quickly gives way to a more earthy aroma.
Tasting Notes
Tasted neat, the initial herbaceousness carries through onto the palate, with the angelica root providing an underlying tingly warmth, and slight bitterness, which is well balanced by the citrus flavours of the orange and lemon peel. The finish, though, is quite remarkable. To say that it is a long finish, simply doesn't do the drink justice. This is a finish that goes on, and on, and on...Slightly sweet, with a hint of berries.
Perfect Serve
Serve with a premium tonic water and an orange wedge garnish to bring out the tangy citrus notes. We paired it with both Franklin & Sons Natural Indian Tonic Water and Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water, each with an orange wedge, and both transformed the Gin into a rather pleasant, and somewhat unique, drinking experience.
Conclusion
Love it or hate it, we say...If you hate it, give it another try. This is a Gin that deserves a second tasting. Give it a chance and, like us, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Where to Buy
To buy Jaggi Botanical Gin from Amazon.co.uk click here.
To buy Jaggi Botanical Gin from Flavourly.com click here.
A Word About Flavourly
Flavourly Craft Gin Club, is a monthly subscription club, offering 3 x 20cl bottles of craft Gin, premium mixers, a snack and an insightful club magazine for only £34.99 per month. Try it now, and get £5.00 off your first craft Gin box by clicking here.
They also have a Craft Beer Club, offering 10 x craft beers and the club magazine for only £25.00 per month. Try it now, and get £5.00 off your first craft beer box by clicking here.
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