Caorunn Scottish Dry Gin Small Batch

Caorunn Dry Gin Small Batch is a Scottish gin, carefully handcrafted in small batches at the Balmenach Distillery in the Speyside region of the Scottish Highlands. Its name, "Caorunn," is the Gaelic word for rowan berry, one of its key botanicals. This gin distinguishes itself by infusing five locally foraged Celtic botanicals alongside six traditional gin botanicals using a unique Copper Berry Chamber during distillation.

Key Features:

• Small Batch & Quadruple Distilled: Emphasizes quality and careful production.
• Scottish Botanicals: Features five hand-foraged botanicals from the Scottish Highlands:
  • Rowan Berry (the "soul" of Caorunn, providing a slightly bitter and piquant note)
  • Heather (adds a soft, sweet, and slightly resinous aroma with honeyed undertones)
  • Coul Blush Apple (contributes a sweet and aromatic fruitiness)
  • Dandelion (offers a unique aromatic freshness)
  • Bog Myrtle (lends a subtle sweet and earthy aroma)
• Traditional Botanicals: Includes the classic gin botanicals:
  • Juniper
  • Lemon Peel 
  • Coriander Seed 
  • Cassia Bark
  • Orange Peel 
  • Angelica Root 
• Copper Berry Chamber: Caorunn is the only gin in the world distilled using this unique chamber, originally designed for perfume extraction, to maximize the flavor uptake from the botanicals.
• Water Source: Made with natural Scottish water.
• ABV: Typically bottled at 41.8%.
• Signature Serve: Often recommended with a freshly cut red apple to enhance its crisp and slightly fruity notes.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Fresh and floral at first, with distinct notes of heather and citrus blossom. The juniper develops as it opens up, often with a slightly spicy and aromatic quality. Some detect hints of apple.
• Palate: Clean, crisp, and full-bodied with a subtle sweetness, often described as having orange oil, rosemary, and a touch of heather honey. The rowan berry contributes a unique jam-like sweetness with slightly bitter and astringent tones.
• Finish: Invigorating and long-lasting with a refreshing, crisp, and slightly drying character. The juniper becomes more prominent, often with leafy herbs and a pinch of peppery rye lingering.

Awards and Recognition:

Caorunn Dry Gin Small Batch has received numerous awards, including:

• Multiple Gold and Silver medals at prestigious spirits competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
• Recognized for its quality and unique flavor profile by various spirit guides and reviewers.

Overall Impression:

Caorunn Dry Gin Small Batch is a well-regarded and distinctive gin that beautifully balances traditional gin characteristics with the unique flavors of its hand-foraged Scottish botanicals. It's known for its smooth and crisp taste, aromatic complexity, and a refreshing finish. It's a versatile gin enjoyed in classic cocktails, particularly with tonic and apple, and is appreciated by both gin enthusiasts and those new to the spirit.