Taste, aroma & appearance

Spicy flavours in gin blends create the presence of warm and aromatic notes that can really produce deep, satisfying gins and cocktails. Spicy ingredients tend to add depth, complexity, and a hint of heat to the overall taste profile of a Crook gin, or Crook based cocktail.

Elements of spice botanicals are added in the distillation process of most gins. These can include ingredients like coriander seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or black pepper.

As always, our organic London Dry base gin is formulated to provide a smooth, clean, pure canvas upon which we "paint" our ingredients to produce the desired final result.

We curate exotic spices from around the world to create unique flavour options as we test and create new blends. These could include ingredients like star anise, clove, allspice, or grains of paradise. Also, peppery botanicals, such as juniper berries or angelica root, can be used to tweak the spicy flavour profile of the gin.

Gins typically incorporate botanicals such as citrus peels (lemon, lime, grapefruit), to provide bright and zesty flavours. Other botanicals, like mint, cucumber, or coriander, can add a fresh and cooling element to the gin's profile.

Citrus oils released from peels can add brightness and a refreshing aroma to the gin. And crispness can provide a clean and sharp flavour profile.

The key is to be daring, but always to achieve a correct balance. A well-balanced gin will have the right combination of botanicals, with no single flavor overpowering the others. The harmonious interplay of botanicals, with a careful blend of sweet, citrus, herbal, and sometimes floral notes, is what makes for great gins and cocktails.

Floral notes in gin and cocktails refers to the presence of aromatic compounds and flavours that reference certain flowers. These notes contribute a delicate, perfumed, and sometimes sweet character to the overall taste profile.

Part of the Crook lab includes dried flowers such as roses, lavender, chamomile, elderflower, or violets. The essential oils and aromatic compounds can infuse the gin with distinctive floral flavours, which add complexity and a fragrant quality to the gin or cocktail.

Citrus blossoms, such as the orange blossom used in Moluccas Gold, are particularly suited to creating a fully rounded, stimulating flavour.

"Aromatic" - or "bouquet" - refers to the presence of a pleasant and distinctive aroma in experiencing the gin. Aromatics play a significant role in the overall sensory experience of any gin, and especially Crook Gins where the blended flavours are bolder. They can be a seen as significant precursor to the flavour experience that comes after the olfactory impression.

Some ingredients are especially "aromatic." Their molecular structure means that volatile compounds released from the drink immediately stimulate the olfactory senses and contribute to the drink's aromatic effect.