Leopold’s American Gin

Proof: 80
Color: clear
Nose: citrus & juniper
Taste: citrus & juniper
Finish: smooth & bright
Value: decent value

If you recall, I just wrote about Bluecoat American Gin and I called it one of the Great American Gins.  Leopold’s is another great American Gin.

Yes, I love Gin.  You all know that.  What you didn’t know is that I have a slightly unhealthy obsession with Gin & Whiskey.  I’ve contemplated (repeatedly) just dedicating this blog to Whiskey & Gin.  [Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?]  So of course, spending a month talking about the Martini means I get to dedicate a large amount of time to Gin.

And in the the column of “Things Eron Loves” very close to the top (right below my Wife, ukuleles, and piano jazz) is Gin.  And in the subcategory of “Gins that Eron Loves” we have: Leopold’s American “Small Batch” Gin.

Down to Not Mincing Words:

Leopold’s Gin is a masterful work of art.

Leopold’s is one of those staggeringly awesome American Gins I referred to last time around.

I’ve written about Leopold’s before.  It is quite lovely and plays well with others.  But you’ll want to know what you’re diving into, verdad?

At its price point, Leopold’s is up there with Old Raj, Blade and Nolet’s. It’s pricey.  As Gin’s go, it’s quite pricey.  Now, if it were at 90 proof, I could understand.  But at 80, Leopold’s is asking a lot of my wallet.  So does it deliver on flavor?

The scent of Leopold’s is heavy citrus.  Their addition of pummelo and orange peels proves their dedication to a citrusy spirit.  There’s a hint of juniper on the nose, but it’s mostly citrus.  My palate found the heavy hand on the citrus tiller fully enjoyable. I wouldn’t go so far as to call Leopold’s a “Citrus Gin” akin to a “Citrus Vodka” like Absolut Citron, but it does have a nice citrusy hit on the tongue.  Other flavor notes include juniper (like it should), coriander and berry.  I attribute the berry to the orris root in the infusion.  I admit to preferring hibiscus with my orris root, but as the real draw here is the citrus, I won’t fault them for that.

The finish is bright, crisp and satisfying.  The overall experience of sipping Leopold’s straight was truly enjoyable.  With the addition of an ice cube, it turned into its own cocktail… nearly.  A squeeze of lime and *bamf* cocktail!

On my Gin scale from:

Citrus – – – – Juniper – – – – Floral

Leopold’s sits right in the Citrus.  The juniper is dialed back in favor of the citrus prominence, which is a bit of a shame… However, what it delivers, it delivers beautifully.

My palate found the heavy hand on the citrus tiller fully enjoyable.

As mentioned previously,  Leopold’s is the only Gin I will use in a Vesper from here on out.  It also works well in:

• The Martini
• Lemon Drop Martini
• White Lady
• The Gibson
• Gimlet
• Gin & Tonic
• Gin Rickey
• The Aviation Cocktail
• Jasmine

As with Bluecoat, Leopold’s Gin will always have a home in my liquor cabinet.

Final Rating: 92 out of 100