most gins are grain-based, using either:
Wheat (e.g. Broker’s)
Corn (e.g. Iceberg)
Rye (e.g. Aviation)
or a mix of grain (e.g Gordon’s).
There are exceptions, of course, that use other non-grain bases:
G-Vine – Grapes
Cap Rock – Apples
Waitrose Essential – Molasses.
I even know of one gin this is based on whey.
Premium (Pink Label) – 38% ABV – 60% of its alcohol comes from potatoes.
Vintage (Yellow& Black Label) – 40% ABV – 80% of its alcohol comes from potatoes.
Now, how does it taste? We shall be focusing primarily on the Vintage Gin, but as Larry (himself) was kind enough to send me some Premium, too, there will be a little featurette on that at the end.
Own
At the recent Imbibe show, I took my bottle of Vintage along to give some gin fans a try (all were fascinated to try a potato-based gin), including some industry experts. It was a polarising spirit, with people either really liking it, or not, but the majority found it fascinating, clean and fruity.
Larry’s Gin & Schweppes Tonic
Gin & Tonic
I like the attention to detail that has been given to the Gin & Tonic garnishes for Larry’s; each tonic has its own signature garnish:
1724 – Orange Twist
Fevertree – Maldon Salt, Strawberry & Lime
The fruit garnish goes rather well with the fruitiness of the spirit. Visually, the drink is stunning and if you were to serve this to someone in a bar, they would almost certainly be impressed. Most importantly, it tasted great and was exceptionally refreshing.
Inspired by the Schweppes Gin & Tonic, I lightly muddled the strawberries in the cocktail shaker with the gin and lime juice. I then shook it vigorously with ice and strained into a cocktail glass. The resultI also found that adding an equal amount of tonic to the finished cocktail led to a more refreshing long drink, with a little more zing & pep.
Larry’s Strawberry Smash
Martini
I tried this in a 4:1 ratio with Dolin Dry Vermouth. A good drink that was subtle on the juniper. The character is mid-way between a gin and a vodka Martini. Very cold, with a little sweetness.
Pink Gin
Soft and sweet with a hint of juniper and herbs and a finish of almond, rose and vanilla. Unusual, but good.
Negroni
Sweeter than usual to start, this drink then has a bitter come-down courtesy of the Campari. Quite good; quite smooth, but the flavour of gin is lost.
Gin Bump
Rather lovely: thirst-quenching, with fruity and faint vanilla notes, which reminds me of poteen. Creamy and even better with a slice of lime.
Own
Nose:
Taste: Soft & fruity, with juniper and pine. There’s also a sherbet-like sweet lemon note and a hint of chocolate towards the end.
Gin & Tonic
Rather fruity, with a touch of vanilla. The combination of flavours of juniper and jam make this drink quite tasty.
Martini
Cool and floral, with some hints of herbs such as rosemary. A clean martini.
Pink Gin
Initially, soft and well-rounded, a little sweet and a bit fruity. The gin works well with the bitters to create a tasty drink with a pleasant touch of alcohol warmth at the end.
In Conclusion
I think that Larry’s Gin is a step away from the flavour profile of Classic London Dry Gin, but it is not so far removed that you don’t realise what you are drinking.
I found the potato base-alcohol very interesting and, when tasting it with another potato-based gins, there were certainly some similarities, however I think a wider tasting is needed to confirm this.
I thought both gins worked very well in Gin & Tonics and, with their unusual characteristics, it would be good to experiment using them in more contemporary gin cocktails; a Lavender Martini has been suggested.*
If you are not such a fan of the classic-style of gin, then this may be worth checking out. The juniper is still there, but it is rather less intense and softly complemented by the fruitiness of the spirit.
*Thanks to Tim of The Office for this.
