I was introduced to Makar at the Just Gin Show a few weeks back and had a chance to talk with their brand ambassador, David Thomson.
Launched in 2014, Makar is produced in the heart of Glasgow by the Glasgow Distillery Company. The name “Makar” comes from the Gaelic word for “poet” or “bard”. To make it, they use their copper pot still – affectionately called Annie – and seven botanicals, including:
- Juniper
- Angelica root
- Liquorice
- Coriander seed
- Lemon peel
- Rosemary
- Black peppercorns
- Cassia bark
I was first impressed by the bottle – the blue label and almost hexagonal shaped give it a Moroccan feel and that only adds to the appeal if I am honest…
Nose:
From the off you can tell this is a very juniper lead gin, but you can also pick out hints rosemary and lemon.
Palate:
Juniper-led, backed up by citrus and spice, with angelica and rosemary standing out on the palate and finish. We then tried with tonic and the suggested garnish, a green chilli, and as you would expect, Juniper is the strongest of the botanicals coming through but the aftertaste of Coriander and pepper make it fresh and quite a moreish.
Conclusion:
We tasted many gins at the Just Gin Show and this one really stood out among the crowd. A good all round gin, with a lovely juniper, led flavor that leaves you coming back for more. Go on, Treat ya self!
Available from: Makar Gin (Where you will also find some great cocktail recipes)
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