From Scotland's Solway Spirits comes the intriguing 'Cortes Gin'. Some of you may be wondering if 'cortes' is a spice, or an exotic fruit, or even an intrepid Spanish conquistador considered to have contributed to the first phase of Spanish colonisation of the Americas. Well, it turns out, it's the last one. Cortes is not only credited with bringing waves of Christian evangelisation to Mexico, but also for introducing vanilla to Europe - hence the inclusion of vanilla within this gin's botanical selection.
Juniper is initially prominent, but makes way for a blossom of floral elements and - wait for it - vanilla!
I bought my first bottle of this from the distillery shop in Annan, but since that's 300 miles away, I'm delighted that I can now get it here. I'm not normally a fan of the flavoured gins, but this is subtle, smooth, and very moreish! Goes beautifully with a Mediterranean tonic and is smooth enough to be drunk neat or with just an ice cube to swish around it.
Very enjoyable and refreshing. Tried without tonic and wasn't disappointed. Tried with tonic and still wasn't disappointed. I will drink this again.
