Named for an iconic whale we have a gin that really nails the look and nails the first impression via smell. Sadly though with a bit of a burn, and a failure to really shine in a cocktail we have to judge whether it’s truly worth the price they are asking for, and while it’s not as bad as the last gin we had 2 weeks ago – it too falls just a bit short.
We mentioned as well 2 weeks ago about the slick/slime gin feeling in your throat that some give off and how we are all the poorer for those gins that do this (compared to those that don’t) this however has enough other botanicals and citrus to lighten that feeling though.
What they Say: “Smooth, sophisticated refreshment. We craft spirits that feed the soul.
Distilled with rock samphire and other wild botanicals, harvested in season from our Atlantic Ocean coastline.”
Taste: 6.5 – Certainly more juniper at the start. It’s also quite strong in that regard.
Aftertaste: 5.0 – There is a slick taste to the backend that reminds us of New Amsterdam (again). The citrus from the smell does pop up a bit, but subtly.
Burn/Smooth: 4.0 – There is a burn there, and while it doesn’t destroy this, you do worry a bit for the martini.
Aroma: 8.5 – It’s not heavy on juniper, and the citrus is the main star here. However with no fouling, or burning to speak of this is really quite delightful if a tad simplistic. It smells nice and fresh though so who cares about complexity?
Honesty: 7.0 – The smooth is a bit much, but the look is good, and they don’t ruin it by discussing bullshit at length. Overall pretty well done.
Mixability: 5.5
Gin and Tonic: 5.0 – This is okay. It’s not really doing much for the tonic, but at least it’s passable.
Martini: 6.0 – Credit where due, that’s actually a decent martini once you chill it and add just that bit of vermouth and olive.
Value: 4.5 – Now the real issue. Nothing here has been a deal-breaker, and overall it’s been slightly above average. However, at that price point for a gin, you are supposed to have better.
Google Shop Average: $36
Website: https://clonakiltydistillery.ie/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 6.0
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Metric Score: 41/70 |+| Metric Average: 5.86 |+| Reviewer Average: 6.0
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Final Thoughts: Do we wish that some aspects of this gin were better? Yeah – had this worked super well in a martini or with tonic we’d likely be singing it’s praises given how it’s fared reasonably well elsewhere. Overall though this is a mark in the positive column, so while we won’t say this is worth getting, it’s worth getting over some other gins in that $30 range.
