Here is a selection of the five most outstanding ultra-premium gins on the international market today. Without a doubt, these are the most exclusive brands and can be found in the choicest liquor shops.
Botanic Ultra Premium
Botanic gin is filtered in Birmingham, England, by Williams & Humbert at the Langley Distillery, a renowned English winery founded in the 1920’s on top of natural spring waters. The key to its success lies in the quality of pure English grain alcohol, the artisanal process of distillation in antique copper stills and, also, the nature of its botanical ingredients. This excellent elixir comes in a whimsical bottle shaped like an ice cube and contains fourteen different botanical types in its composition: hand of Buddha, juniper, tangerine, thyme, coriander, lemon, cinnamon, peppermint, chamomile, anise, sweet orange, almond, cardamom and mango.
Beefeater Burrough’s Reserve
This recently launched ultra premium gin follows a recipe created by the founder of the acclaimed distillery Beefeater, James Burrough, in 1860. With a small annual production, this gin is handmade, using Beefeater’s original still (number 12), which dates back to 1880 and has a discrete capacity of only 268 liters. At the right time, which is established by the Master Distiller, the resulting product is a limited edition numbered gin, permeated by the color and smell of wood. The alcohol content by volume of the Beefeater Burrough’s Reserve is 43 percent. Its color is pale golden and, when taken alone, one can perceive floral notes and vanilla, which anticipate the slight aroma of juniper berries. It is smooth on the palate, with complex spices, citrus accents and a finish of pleasant dry pine and hints of smoke.
Nolet’s Reserve
Nolet’s Reserve is an exclusive ultra premium gin produced at the Nolet distillery in Schiedam, Holland, a family business with more than 300 years of history. Its production is limited, numbered and signed by hand, as could be expected of a gin made for privileged pockets: each bottle costs more than $700. The recipe has been perfected over four decades. The spirit is obtained by traditional distillation, and the alcohol content by volume is 52.3 percent. On the palate, this sensational gin leaves aromas of spices and herbs, including a touch of spicy saffron and lemongrass, which are gently combined for a delicate, fresh taste.
G’Vine Floralis
Once a year, in mid-June, flowers appear on the vines, only for a few days, before turning into grapes. This period is known as floraison in French. The fragrance of this delicate gin is sweet and floral, with spicy oriental notes. In the mouth, it is silky and floral notes are evident with ginger, juniper and cardamom in the background. The subtle texture and the aromatic grape flower, combined with a wine base soften the typical notes of juniper, creating a very balanced product.
Oxley
This English gin is the first example of an innovative method, known as cold distillation, which takes place under freezing temperatures. As a result, the natural aromas of the herbs are captured and absorbed from the moment of maceration until the final product is uncorked. The cold distillation yields small productions with excellent quality. Only 240 bottles can be produced per day and, once ready, the liquid is bottled by hand. The aroma of Oxley is fresh, clean and radiant. It stands out with a hint of lemony tart, complemented by a few notes of juniper and anise. It has an elegant, balanced and full-bodied texture. The fresh citrus flavors prevail, complemented by juniper and licorice. ■
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