Floriason is one the new innovative craft gins now being produced. The first expression of French craft producer G’Vine, this bright spirit is distilled from an unusual source: grape flowers. This floral base sets this gin up for success by providing a slightly sweet, fragrant medium to which the botanicals are added. Far from the overpowering juniper bite of yesteryear’s gin, Floriason is gentle and complex with high potential in both innovative and vintage cocktails.
The Notes:
The nose features fresh citrus, mint and liquorice with just a hint of juniper . On the palette, Floriason is silky and slightly sweet. With virtually no alcoholic sting, the taste is full of delicate aromatics; bright lemon, coriander, flowers and lime are prominent notes that linger well-past the sip. Beautifully delicate, Floraison is highly recommended particularly for those of us that have been gin-shy in the past.
For cocktails:
This gin should to be used in cocktails that are crafted to let the spirit’s profile shine through. Thick, artificial-tasting juices, too much simple syrup or heavy-handed use of secondary ingredients will overshadow this gem. Similarly, if you like your gin martini with olives, it is best to save Floriason’s hint of floral sweetness for another day.
This gin is at its best with fresh mixers and thoughtfully proportioned liqueurs. Its balance of aromatics and citrus make it a great companion with most vintage mainstays (bitters, vermouth, chartreuse, lemon) and add a complexity that was probably not available to the original, Prohibition-era imbibers. With herbaceous muddles (yes, including the mojito), its coriander, liquorice and citrus notes enhance freshness. In fragrant sippers, Florissan provides beautiful botanicals without a juniper bite.
Liquorice Twist
- 2 oz Florissan gin
- 1/2 oz Anis del Mono dulce (or Sambuca)
- 2 dried rose petals/one dash of rose water
- 3 sage leaves
In a cocktail shaker, add the rose petals, sage and anise; muddle thoroughly. Add ice then gin ,and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Nectarine Fizz
- 2 oz Floriason
- 2 slices of nectarine
- 1/4 oz lemon juice
- a dash of Angostura Bitters
- 4 oz soda water
In a cocktail shaker, add the nectarines, lemon juice and bitters, and muddle well. Add ice then gin and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a highball glass with fresh ice, and top off with soda water.
Cheers to you and yours!
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Disclosure: This item was offered for review. All items are reviewed with professional objectivity regardless of the means of procurement.
