A Dutch gin which was launched in 2014, Bobby's Schiedam Dry Gin features a recipe inspired by the creator's grandfather, Bobby Alfons. It's made with a combination of local and exotic ingredients, including juniper, clove, lemongrass, cubeb peppers and rosehips. Highlighting the meeting of Dutch and Indonesian flavours in the spirit, Bobby's Schiedam Dry Gin comes in a bottle which harks back to the style of vessel used to hold jenever, with a pattern inspired by Indonesian designs.
Earthy fennel and cut grass, with peppery whiffs of malt and juniper underneath.
Floral as it opens with fresh rose, followed by a hint of red berry sweetness. Coriander gives it a fragrant spice throughout.
Oily juniper and Christmassy clove.
Love rosehips? Then you're set! Otherwise it reminds me of either (a) great grandma's house or (b) pig barn next to a rose patch. Not entirely certain which. There have been some great gins in the advent calendar, but this one is just okay. Tune down the rosehips a bit and this could be an awesome gin. I really love the notes from the cubeb peppers, lemongrass, and cloves. Really sets it up to be great, but falls short because they overcompensated for a mediocre base gin by adding tons of rosehips.
I've never been remotely interested in gin following one sip of a friend's gin and tonic twenty years ago. It was just too flowery for me, yet I had no idea that all gins were not created equal. My head was turned recently on a trip to Amsterdam, by Bobby's. Served with clove-studded orange wedges and deliciously smooth and spicy, my friend knew instantly that I would like it. She was right - the combination of botanicals are delicious and rounded with vanilla notes. My only gripe is its availability when drinking out. Being a gin novice, I have no idea what to look for in another gin to find something similar, as I don't want to order very floral gin like I used to avoid.
