Nginious! Original Swiss Blended Gin 45%
Produced from 18 botanicals which are distilled in 4 separate batches before being blended together. Batch 1 (Fruity) – juniper, barberry and laurel berries. Batch 2 – (Citrus) – lemon, sweet orange peel and fresh grapefruit. Batch 3 (Herbal) – These herbs are native to Switzerland and include, hay flowers, clover blossom, bee balm, verbena, hyssop, chamomile, blackcurrant leaves, iris, carline thistle root, galingale and liquorice root. Batch 4 (Rooty) – whole peeled cardamom.
Tasted: Mar 2017
The nose is quite smoky with an aroma akin to pine sap. The cardamom is very noticeable and the juniper has a pleasant freshness. It becomes quite herbal in time with a touch of chamomile and leafy herbs.
Again pine sappy notes on the palate with a touch of citrus and a good complexity of floral and herbal notes. The juniper is slightly smoky and comes through on the middle with an almost cinnamon-like spice note. Long and subtly peppery. In conclusion it’s punchy and intense.
Nginious! Summer Gin 42%
Produced in a similar way to the Blended Gin, using peach, lime, jasmine, white pepper and rhubarb along with the blueberries and juniper.
Tasted: Mar 2017
The nose is subtly fruity with a distinct summer fruit mix (berries and citrus). The juniper, although subtle has an astringent edge and with time a touch of white pepper appears.
The palate is quite full and oily with juniper and toasty spice notes. It’s a bit odd and lemonade-like on the middle as the floral and citric notes come through along with a touch of white pepper. Long and a bit sweet on the finish. It’s an odd one this. Different, but I’m not sure it’s my cup of tea!
Nginious! Original Swiss Blended, Barrel Aged Gin 43%
Aged for 6 months in barriques which first held Barolo and then Cocchi Vermouth.
Tasted: Mar 2017
The nose opens with subtly sweet, almost mocha-like notes with a hint of vanilla and soft fruit. There’s a touch of citrus but the juniper is pretty subdued.
The palate is very herbal and mentholated. Fresher and less sweet than the nose suggests with a touch of sugar coated chamomile. Long and remaining mentholated. The nose shows too much Vermough character, but the palate is a little better balanced.
Nginious! Smoked & Salted Gin 42%
Produced from 3 batches. Batch 1 – contains juniper, quince, ginger, coriander and bitter orange. Batch 2 – contains pureed smoked chestnuts and Batch 3 – contains whole halved smoked chestnuts. Flakes of smoked salt are added post distillation.
Tasted: Mar 2017
The nose is surprisingly subtly smoked and nutty with hints of juniper, orange and salt.
The palate has more upfront chestnut flavours and has a greater smoky and salty pungency than the nose suggests. However citrus and subtle juniper notes come through on the middle to balance. A very pure, rock salt finish. It’s quite unique and enjoyable.
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 