Song Cai Vietnam Dry Gin 700mL (Hanoi Vietnam) –

Introduction

Distillery Notes:Vietnams flagship Dry expression is a true gin lovers gin! Unabashedly spicy and citrusy on account of a backbone of juniper and mc mtfruit, its punchy botanical profile makes it the perfect gin for any cocktail applicationfrom Gin & Tonics to dry Martiniswhile the proof and spice provide an ideal base for botanically complex cocktails like a Negroni.

• Vietnamese dry gin produced by Sng Ci Distillery in Hanoi, Vietnam
• Native and heirloom Vietnamese botanicals include mc khn (Indian prickly ash), mc mtfruit, bi din (pomelo from Din village), and v qu (cinnamon bark)
• Juniper sourced from Macedonia; all other botanicals locally sourced in collaboration with Vietnamese highland mountain communities
• Neutral spirit produced from rice and molasses
• Botanicals are grouped by their flavor profiles and volatility, macerated in neutral spirit, and separately distilled before blending
• Distilled in direct-fire copper alembic pot stills
• 45% ABV

Tasting Notes:

Huge aromas of piney, citrusy juniper with cinnamon, star anise, tangerine, and lime peel; juniper-like mc mtfruit echoes through the palate with black peppercorn, rosewater, and grapefruit; fresh ginger and prickly ash on a vibrant, piquant finish

Awards/Reviews:
“Sng Ci Dry Gin delivers character, depth and complexity with a strong sense of place and a distinctive and harmonious flavour profile, cleverly deviating from a focus on botanicals such as lemongrass, lime leaf and ginger that are ubiquitous in Asian and Asian-inspired gins. Aromatic on the nose, the layers and botanical combinations are evident even before tasting, with fresh pine, citrus peels, subtle leafy notes and an enticing undertone of smokey black cardamom. In balance with the spices, the citrus on the palate has a beautifully honeyed character before peppery notes develop into the warming finish. Even when mixed with Tonic Water the aromas are still plentiful, and sumptuous, subtly sweet citrus notes are layered over cardamom, turmeric and pepper which add depth in an impressive G&T with abundant personality.” -The Gin Guide
“The initial sip of this hits with a touch of heat, but one that certainly reminds me of the best homemade spirits I tasted in Vietnam. Its quite nice to sip on the rocks – good balance, interesting flavor and a nice body. The nose is big on juniper with strong hints of angelica, cinnamon and faint notes of ginger and pink peppercorn. There is a strong juniper character here along with strong notes of sharp spice heavy on the pepper and ginger which dominate the forward flavors of the gin. It segues into cinnamon and a layer of nice not overly tart grapefruit notes which slowly fade into hints of anise and a pleasant sweet finish with traces of something woodsy, honey, and a trace of longan.

Mouthfeel has a dryness that makes you think very much of a high quality sake, with a nice long lingering flavor profile and a bit of heat. Excellent neat or on the rocks. With a touch of ice it certainly evokes the flavors of Vietnam and I have to admit I really enjoyed it – and will continue to do so in martinis.” -Good Gin-tentions