Yes, gin is trending and has been for a while. Shelves are filled with bottles of crystal-clear and water-white gin; but then there are a very few that have another hue. Four Pillars Chardonnay Cask Gin is indeed one of those celebrated bottles!
Four Pillars distillery in Australia is all about gin. They have a selection of gins, and two of them have enticing amber colour along with rather tasteful yet plain and simple bottles. Think old-fashioned apothecaries’ bottles.
These days, gin isn’t usually stored for long. In the old days, gin was often put in barrels for transportation, but it was kept only until the contents of the barrel were consumed. Gin was often sweetened, but only to remove some of its harsh qualities. Old Tom gin had just that sweet profile, and the name is rumoured to have come from its illicit dispensing via the medium of a wall-mounted gin-spitting cat. Well, it’s a great story anyway, although this style of gin fell from favour and dry gin has become more popular.
A full year in the barrels
Four Pillars Gin started ageing one of their first batches of Rare Dry spirit in old Chardonnay barrels at the end of 2013, and now have three barrel-aged gins. This is the seventh release from their original Chardonnay barrel solera, and has had a full year in the barrels.
Aging gin, as with wine, adds character and allows the botanical oils time to meld and develop. Flavours and colour are changed dramatically by contact with the wood. The classic juniper has become more rounded, while the spices remain distinctive and balanced.
This Chardonnay cask-aged gin is complex and warming. I think the spices define its character, which is mellow and layered. The wood adds a great deal from barrels which still have much to offer. A first-class sipping gin for those with impeccable taste.
Appearance: Clear amber
Nose: Clean with light citrus notes and a belt of spices including ginger, too!
Palate: exotic spices, rich dried fruit, white blossoms and citrus
Finish: Warming with pleasingly long finish
Conclusion: An excellent gin
ABV: 43.8%
A well-crafted and characterful gin. Best enjoyed on the rocks and savoured.
Learn more about Four Pillars Distillery here https://www.fourpillarsgin.com.au