Silent Pool Distillers Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin

Unveiling a Citrus Oasis: A Detailed Tasting Guide to Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin

Silent Pool Distillers, nestled in the Surrey Hills, has garnered acclaim for its award-winning gins. Their latest innovation, Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin, takes things a step further, venturing beyond the ordinary citrus realm. This meticulously crafted spirit boasts a unique symphony of flavours, showcasing the wonders of rare and intriguing citrus varieties.

Aromatic Adventure: The Nose

Pour yourself a generous measure of Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin and embark on an olfactory journey. The initial impression is one of bright, zesty citrus. This vibrancy isn't your average lemon or lime; instead, expect an intriguing complexity. The gin displays prominent notes of Buddha's Hand, a citrus fruit known for its lemony character with subtle, almost floral, undertones. Hints of grapefruit peel add a touch of pithy bitterness, creating a captivating interplay between sweet and sharp.

As you delve deeper, a touch of enticingly rich citrus emerges. This is the influence of Natsu Dai Dai, a Japanese citrus with a vibrant orange colour and a flavour profile that bridges the gap between mandarin and grapefruit. The interplay between these rare citrus notes is truly captivating, offering a more profound citrus experience than a traditional gin.

A Symphony on the Palate

The initial sip of Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin is an explosion of flavour. The promised citrus notes come alive, with a delightful balance between bright zest and a touch of subtle sweetness. The Buddha's Hand shines through, offering a unique lemon-like character with its delicate floral whispers. The Natsu Dai Dai adds a layer of richness, its orange and grapefruit influence providing depth and complexity.

Beyond the citrus, a touch of tropical peppery spice emerges. This intriguing element comes from the inclusion of cardamom and Timur pepper. Cardamom adds a touch of warmth and a hint of eucalyptus, while the Timur pepper offers a subtle tingling sensation. These botanicals weave themselves seamlessly into the citrus tapestry, adding another layer of intrigue to the gin's flavour profile.

The finish of Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin is where the magic truly unfolds. The initial burst of citrus gives way to a long, smooth mouthfeel, thanks in part to the subtle sweetness from Hirado Buntan, a Japanese citrus fruit known for its gentle orange flavour. The juniper berries, the cornerstone of any gin, finally make their presence known, leaving a lingering warmth and a touch of piney dryness that perfectly complements the citrus dominance.

The Perfect Serve: Unlocking the Potential

Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin is a versatile spirit, happy to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the star of a refreshing cocktail. To fully appreciate the intricate dance of flavours, we recommend a simple yet elegant serve:

• The Classic G&T: Fill a copa glass with ice. Add 50ml of Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin and top up with 150ml of your favourite premium Indian tonic water. Gently stir to combine and garnish with a generous twist of grapefruit peel. The grapefruit not only adds a beautiful visual touch but also accentuates the citrus notes already present in the gin.

Beyond the G&T: Cocktail Adventures

For those seeking a more adventurous route, Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin provides a fantastic base for unique cocktails. Here are a couple of suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

• The Yuzu Collins: Combine 50ml of Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin, 20ml of yuzu juice (a type of Japanese citrus), 20ml of fresh lemon juice, 15ml of simple syrup, and a dash of soda water in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint. This cocktail highlights the gin's citrus notes while introducing a new dimension with the yuzu's unique flavour profile.
• The Earl Grey Martini:  Muddle a fresh earl grey teabag in a shaker. Add 50ml of Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin, 25ml of dry vermouth, and ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist. The bergamot notes of the earl grey tea create a fascinating interplay with the citrus and floral characteristics of the gin, resulting in a sophisticated and unexpected martini.

In Conclusion: A Rare Gem

Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin is a testament to the ingenuity of Silent Pool Distillers. By venturing beyond the ordinary citrus ingredients, they've crafted a gin that is both familiar and surprising. The use of rare citrus varieties like Buddha's Hand and Natsu Dai Dai creates a captivating flavour profile that is both vibrant and complex. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as the base for a creative cocktail, Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin is a true gem for any gin enthusiast's collection.