A spicy gin, often referred to as spiced gin, is a style of gin known for its distinct flavor profile derived from specific botanical ingredients. Spiced gins are warm, spicy, nutty and sometimes a bit earthy.
Characteristics of Spicy Gin
Unlike classic gins that prominently feature juniper, spicy gins emphasize warmer, more pungent spice notes. The key characteristics you can expect in a spicy gin include:
- Warmth: A comforting, often slightly warming sensation on the palate, distinct from the 'cool' feel of juniper or citrus.
- Spiciness: This is the defining trait, coming from botanicals like pepper, ginger, cardamom, or cinnamon.
- Nutty Tones: Some spiced gins can exhibit nutty undertones, adding complexity to the flavor.
- Earthiness: Hints of earthy notes may also be present, contributing to a grounded and rich profile.
Botanicals in Spicy Gin
The unique flavors of spicy gin come from the selection of botanicals used during distillation.
Distilleries crafting spiced gins are creative in their botanical choices:
- They often utilize traditional spices found along the Maritime Silk Road, historically significant trade routes for spices.
- They also incorporate many more 'modern' botanicals that lend spicy characteristics.
It's worth noting that some traditional spices can be found in most gins, not just spiced ones, as they are considered as 'core botanicals'. This means while spices are key to the spicy category, certain spices might also be present in other gin styles as foundational elements.
Essentially, a spicy gin is defined by its focus on botanicals that contribute warm, spicy, nutty, and earthy notes, moving beyond the traditional juniper-forward profile to offer a richer, often bolder taste experience.
