Gin Cartel

With a mission of scouring the city’s gin library, a flavor profile of best mixes are merged together with herbs and fruity spices.

photography TJ Delima

CAORUNN GIN. Caorunn Gin originates from the Scotland, and has a strong flavor profile of juniper, with hints of citrus, floral and heat. A faint tinge of spice rounds off this gin. Unique botanicals in this gin include coulee blush apple, heather, bog myrtle, rowan berry, and dandelion leaf. Here, orange slices and a cinnamon stick are added to bring out its citrus undertones.

ROKU GIN. This craft gin hails from the Land of the Rising Sun. In Japanese, roku means “six”. Suntory’s take on gin is called such, after six quintessentially Japanese botanicals. There’s green tea two ways: sencha and gyokuro. Cherry, also two ways: blossom and leaves. And then there’s yuzu and Japanese pepper. A couple pieces of star anise add a fragrant touch to this gin.

HENDRICK'S GIN. Launched in 1999, this likely needs no introduction. A lot of what Hendrick’s does set the stage for some of the contemporary gin fashions we see today. While Hendrick’s signature is its cucumber gin and tonic, a tea-smoked gin changes up the usual.

G’VINE FLORAISON. Distilled from the Ugni Blanc or Trebbiano grapes, G’Vine’s flavor profile has grapes in it, and its most unique characteristic is its profile of grape flowers—which are harvested before they can fruit. Floral notes capture your attention, then juniper, ginger root and kaffir lime leaf open up to an unexpected anise, pepper and juniper midpalate. A handful of muddled blueberries make for a fruitier experience.