This is the first of two gins in this tasting from the Canadian Brand, Seagram’s. Both are made in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA. Seagram’s Original was introduced in 1939 (it was originally known as Seagram’s Ancient Gin) and is mellowed for 3 months in charred white oak whiskey (ex-bourbon) barrels. It is bottled at 40% ABV.
On its own:
Colour: Very light straw yellow.
Nose: Quite light, juniper with coriander and citrus.
Taste: Quite smooth, with juniper, coriander and a touch of orange. Quite similar to a normal London Dry Gin with a slight mellow note of cream/vanilla/oak, but it seems like the wood has more of an effect on the texture than the flavour.
Gin & Tonic
A rather sippable and cooling Gin & Tonic. Nothing ostentatious, but rather simple and honest. Juniper, a touch of citrus and a hint of vanilla. A slice of orange or lemon livens it up nicely.
Martini
A soft and straight-forward Martini, with a pleasant mellowness from the touch of aging of the gin. A fair bit of citrus, too, which keeps the drink fresh and zesty.
Negroni
A very even Negroni. Again, nothing special, but not offensive in the slightest. There is a pleasant, clean bitterness right at the end, which lasts for a while.
In Conclusion
I think that Seagram’s is a pretty reasonable gin, especially considering the price, and I’d be more than happy to use this as a pouring gin for cocktails. It’s a sham that it’s not more easily available in the UK.
