Review

Blue Ribbon Gin

Bent Karlsen and Gautier Beau de Lomenie of Oposit Wines and Spirits, La Flouquette, Saint Morillon, Bordeaux, France. Distributed in the USA by Blend Wine & Spirits LLC, Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Oposit Wines and Spirits.

Founded in 2005, this is a “yin and yang” operation between Norwegian born Bent and French born Gautier. The partnership thrives on the differences each one brings, and this is used as their basis for the business ethics and the marketing of products.

The company produces in small batches and uses a bain-marie distillation technique in a cognac pot still, during the 5th and final distillation.

The bottle is rectangular with the bottom half frosted blue in color. There is an unknown nautical themed coat of arms on the label carrying an English flag and the Latin motto by Virgil: Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas. This translates (into present tense) as “Fortunate is he, who is able to know the cause of things”. What significance this has to the company or the brand is unknown to us.

London Dry Gin.

40% (80 Proof).

$$$.

Contains 14 natural botanicals including: cardamom, coriander seeds, ginger, iris root, Jamaican pepper, juniper berries, and thyme.

This stems from the Order of the Garter, established in 1348 by the King of England, where the blue ribbon garter infers the highest award for chivalry to recipients. The Garter has the motto “Honi soit qui mal y pense”, which translates as “Evil to him who thinks evil”. In France (where this Gin is made) the well-known term “Cordon Bleu”, used to denote high quality, means Blue Ribbon.

On the nose are strong aromas of citrus (lime), juniper, nutmeg and thyme. Medium bodied, the palate discerns anise and herbs (thyme) with a juniper, spicy coriander, cinnamon and pepper finish. The 5 times distilled spirit makes for a smooth and creamy encounter.

This is a good standard style Gin, with spice and herbal complexities, suitable for many mixed drinks. The thyme notes add a pleasant difference and makes an interestingly good Martini.

92 Points, Beverage Testing Institute.

Gold Medal, London Wine Fair, 2008.