OUR LATEST SET of spirits reviews should be a welcome sight for any seasoned or aspiring mixologist . This round , we ’ re sipping and grading gin and genever .

As always , these reviews come from the New York International Spirits Competition , a sister competition of Cheers magazine . Judges for the NYICS are trade professionals — retailers , bartenders , buyers , etc .— who blind-taste products based on price tiers . These ratings recognize spirits that represent both quality and value . And unlike other competitions , the NYISC

is stingier with medals .

Behhams Barrel Finished Gin ( Graton Spirits ). This gin ’ s deep-hue coloring comes from being barrel-aged in old zinfandel wine barrels for at least three months . Bottled at 48 % ABV , the higher alcohol does not hide the juniper , citrus and lemon aroma in the nose . Juniper is active on the palate , with herbs and flowers on the long finish .

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

Builders Botanical Gin ( Restless Spirits Distilling Company ). A hand-crafted gin bottled at 46 % alcohol by volume ( ABV ). Its Irish heritage is present with a balanced amount of lavender and citrus flavors in the nose and on the palate . A lovely finish that works well with most cocktails .

Zuidam Old Genever 3 Barrel Rested ( William Wolf ). A classic genever ( a clear , botanical , malted grain-based spirit made in Holland or Belgium ) in color . The nose has hints of juniper

and vanilla , plus hints of oak from its time in the barrel . The oak ’ s presence continues with toffee and traces of dark sweets on the mouth with a smooth finish .

GOLD MEDAL

Barr Hill Gin ( Barr Hill ). A gin with a base spirit from honey , distilled in Vermont . Juniper presence is felt in the nose , along with hints of the Vermont forest . It is active on the palate with a 45 % ABV , along with hints of grass and juniper on the tongue . The finish is long and warm .

America Dry Gin ( Bentley Heritage Distillery ). Triple-distilled from grains grown on the company ’ s Nevada ranch , in copper pot stills . The five different botanicals rise up to the nose . Juniper and oats are found in the mouth , with hints of citrus on the finish .

Blind Tiger Piper Cubeba ( Deluxe Distillery ). Distilled in Western Belgium and bottled at 46 % ABV . Juniper and wafts of citrus fill the nose from this clear spirit . The citrus presence continues with hints of pepper as it swirls around the mouth . Juniper and pepper with a light burn are at the end of a crisp finish .

52 • Summer 2021 www . cheersonline . com