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Review
Zephyr Black Gin
Distillery
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Steve McVicar of Zephyr Imports LLC (KSB Holdings with Encore Brands Inc.), California, USA. Made by Hayman Distillers Ltd. (and Thames Distillery), London, - although the production and storage is in Witham, Essex, England, UK. Imported to the USA by Marsalle Company, Franklin Park, Illinois. |
Website
History
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Unknown. |
Production
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The Gin uses a
traditional 100-year old recipe. Presented in a tall clear cylindrical bottle
with a black colored “Splash” logo screen printed on the bottle. |
Category
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London Dry Gin. |
Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
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44% (88 Proof). |
Price Range
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$$$ - $$$$. Available online, try: More
Wines,
Hi-Time Wine Cellars or
K&L Wines. |
Botanicals
 The 16 Botanicals used include: almonds, angelica root, anise, calamus, cardamom, caraway seeds, cassia bark, coriander seeds, elderberry, elderflower, juniper berries, lemon peel, liqorice, lime peel, orange peel and orris root.  |
Name
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Named after the Greek & Roman God of
the (pleasant Spring) West wind. It was named thus to symbolise the fresh breeze
the product represented in the spirits world. |
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Tasting Notes
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On the nose are strong juniper aroma plus
citrus (lime) and floral (elderflower) notes with herbal aspects and a hint of
sloe like fruit (elderberry). On the palate this smooth, slightly sweet, medium
dry, medium bodied spirit displays soft floral flavor, juniper and citrus
(lemon and orange) with spice notes and a hint of anise and plum/peach fruit
(elderberry). The close has a lingering smooth floral, citrus and peppery spice
finish with just a hint of herbs and sweetness. This is a nicely balanced Gin
with reasonable levels of complexity. This is a reasonably classic London Dry Gin
but with a slight twist, the unusual inclusion of elderberries and elderflowers.
Whilst floral notes are usually light and gentle this retains its strength in a
variety of Gin based mixed drinks, including a Gin & Tonic. This also makes
a good Martini, the dryer the better in our opinion. If you enjoy the elderberry flavor and can leave the London Dry style behind, try their Zephyr Blu. |
Awards & Accolades
|
91 Points, Beverage Testing Institute. 86 Points, Wine Enthusiast. Bronze Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2009. |
