McQueen & The Violet Fog Gin 70cl
A complex, yet floral and delicately spiced gin from Brazil
Description
McQueen & the Violet Fog Gin
Created in Brazil, in the hills of Jundiaí to be exact, McQueen & the Violet Fog gin is produced. This is a gin which, the producers say, is far from simple. One where they have "flipped the script".
The Jundiaí area is well known for making rum, but not so much for gin. However this gin aims to change that. Similar to rum they use a high-proof sugar cane base for the gin, but the similarities stop there. They infuse a total of 21 botanicals into the alcohol base. Sticking to tradition, notes of juniper, citrus, fennel seeds and orris root are used, but added to this can be found Indian basil leaves, rosemary from Portugal, Calamansi from the South Pacific, Star Anise from Vietnam, and locally grown Acai berries. In addition, Lemongrass, pomelo and jasmine flowers are also included.
This creates a deliciously different gin, which is complex yet delicate on the flavours.
On the nose this gin is complex, with a number of nuanced aromas greeting you. Earthy and floral notes are joined with hints of the forest floor. These are joined with floral notes of magnolia, pine needles, and a hint of bitter bark.
The flavour profile is as intruiging as the aromas. It's bright at the beginning, with crisp notes of citrus and apple along with a kick from rosemary. The fruity notes merge into earthy juniper notes on the mid palate, and then blend further into savoury herbaceous notes towards the end.
Fun Fact: The name itself sounds mysterious.... it's a fragment of poem by Instagram poet Atticus about a fictional rock concert.
Perfect Serve
This is a delicious gin, which whilst delightfully complex has a delicious delicacy about it. As such, it's easily enjoyed sipped neat over ice. However by adding a good neutral tonic, such as Fentimans Connoiseurs Tonic, the drink is enlivened and more flavours come to notice.
Take a large glass filled with ice and add 50ml of the gin. Gently pour over 150 - 200ml of your chosen tonic and stir gently. Garnish with a simple sprig of rosemary.
