It is a good thing I actually enjoy gin, because it seems like we have quite a few to review. I’m not complaining, but it does help that I genuine enjoy the work. So I wasn’t at all upset when I got the chance to try two new gins from Australia – Maritime Gin and Orient Gin from Bass & Flinders Distillery.
Before we jump into the review, first let’s look at why Australian gins have become so popular around the world.
Why Australian gin is so popular
Besides making great gin, it might just be the unique botanicals that make Australian gin so unique. The boom has been quite recent with a few disagreeing around the exact start of Australia’s gin ascendance, but within the last five years seems to be an acceptable timeframe.
In fact, at the 2020 International Wine and Spirits Awards, nine Australian gins were awarded gold. This is an impressive feat for a country that wouldn’t even have won a single medal just a decade prior.
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The alcohol review
We tried both gins at the same time – I find it is more honest to drink them in a more natural setting, so having friends over for a quiet evening drink is better than a clinical appraisal while drinking alone in a room.
Both the Maritime gin and Orient gin were paired with tonic and nothing else. I tend to use Fever Tree premium Indian tonic water for my reviews as it offers a neutral mixer that accentuates the flavour of the gin.
First reaction
I’ve actually been drinking a lot of Australian gins, so maybe I was expecting much of the same. However, there was a definite surprise when I tried the Orient gin.
The first thing to hit you are the aromas. Your senses are assailed – yes, I mean it – by citrus notes and a warmer aroma that was a bit difficult to place. However, it felt like they both clashed and worked well together, so it was conflicting.
The Maritime gin was more familiar to me and felt like I was sipping a gin by the beach. There was definitely a hint of floral notes, but not too overpowering. It was an enjoyable start to the drinks.
The taste
By the second sip of the Orient gin, I started to really taste the flavours of the gin. The unique spiciness of the gin started to really shine through – especially the Sichuan pepper. The gin contain a whole host of eastern flavours like goji berries and kaffir lime.
The initial surprise wore off and I started to really get into the gin, because its complexity was something that really excited the palate. My only regret was not being able to pair this with different foods, as I feel like it might have gone with quite a few different foods – especially those with complex flavours as well.
The Maritime gin on the other hand, was actually a far more polished gin. It was safe, but at the same time a very tasty gin that seemed to be uniquely Australian. The use of vine leaves, lemon myrtle, local currant bush, wattle seed and strawberry gum, blended quite well with the tonic to make it a delicious drink.
Where to buy Maritime Gin and Orient Gin.
How you should enjoy it
I only got a chance to try it with tonic, but given its flavour profile I have a feeling that the Orient gin would go well with soda as well – allowing its true spiciness to shine through.
The Maritime gin will lend itself well to cocktails, but a classic gin and tonic with a lime twist would work just as well.
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So there you have it, our honest appraisal of the two Bass & Flinders gins. We do recommend it for those looking for something a bit out of the norm – nothing too crazy, but definitely a unique experience for gin-lovers.
