A small batch Scottish gin from the Balmenach distillery in Speyside. Caorunn (pronounced ka-roon), made with a combination of traditional and handpicked botanicals including rowan berry, heather, coul blush apple and dandelion.
Floral at first, with notes of heather and citrus blossom. Juniper takes shape as it develops.
Orange oil, rosemary and a subtle sweetness of heather honey.
Drying juniper and leafy herbs. A pinch of peppery rye lingers.
I liked it. Refreshing and a bit different
Lovely gin! Will definitely buy more.
We brought a bottle of this it's description sounded interesting. Not sure if there was an issue with this batch as I could not detect a single botanical and it tasted of cheap neat vodka and burnt my throat. Then when mixed with fever tree there was still no taste or hint of any of the botanicals. I have sampled many premium gins and this was the most disappointing.
Much like its Speyside cousins, I expected a 'sweeter' tasting gin from Caorunn. Alone, the drink sips smoothly and bright, the essence of bitter orange peel and orris is perfect with the tango of heather and juniper in the finish. Adding tonic, or just a squeeze of lime, lightens the gin very similar to the Scottish style palate. Less ABV means I can indulge in 3 or 4 instead of 2. Making this a dirty martini using Kalamata olives would be delicious. Or cocktails, I'd add a cranberry shrub or just your average cranberry/tonic. Key limes, while expensive, do give it the right touch.
Totally bland gin my son payed 30 quid for this and he could of got a better bottle from Aldi for a tenner
