DISCLOSURE: It is Cocktails, 365′s policy that it always disclose when we receive samples of liquor to review for the Website. As we tell those who offer samples: we will accept the liquor for review, but that does not guarantee a positive review. Listed below are the opinions of Cocktails, 365 and no one else. And always, thanks and drink up!
Cocktails, 365 Rating: ★★★★★
Like we mentioned on Wednesday, FEW’s American Gin swung a bit too strongly to the sweet side of the spirit. As a general rule of thumb when we mix we like something more akin to a Navy strength gin with its burn and bite. That’s why we were pleased to crack open the sample of FEW’s Standard Issue Gin. Clocking in at whopping 114 proof and made with a stronger mix of botanicals.
Nose
There’s a much stronger juniper smell, with a pleasant grain that wasn’t present in the American gin. The nose is much more like a “standard” gin that would you expect. The higher proof is clear as well, cutting through bits of vanilla and citrus to brighten the smell.
Neat
There’s a super powerful front taste with a vegetal bite on the back-end. However, you can tell that the base grains are the same from the American gin as it finishes nice and sweet and lemony. The flavors come in deeper than the American. We’re kind of in love with this ballsier version of FEW’s gin.
On the Rocks
The colder the gin becomes, the more the flavors layer and open up. The juniper continues to be the dominating flavor, ratcheting down into the various botanicals, finishing up with a lovely, creamy citrus and vanilla.
Verdict
Between the sheer uniqueness of the base grains creating a creamier gin and the powerful wallop of the higher proof, this has quickly become one of our favorite Navy strength gins. It’s balanced, powerful, and beautiful. Here’s hoping it stays a nice long while in their portfolio.
Mark Vierthaler is the founder and Editor of Cocktails, 365. His work appeared in The Tasting Panel Magazine, Savvy Host, Liquor.com, and countless other websites and blogs. He is Bar Smarts certified, and works with bars and restaurants in cocktail creation and pairing. To contact him, e-mail cocktails365@markvierthaler.com
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