Tasting Notes: Poetic License Raspberry and Buddha's Hand (Colourful Cargo SubscriptionAugust 2020)

August’s Colourful Cargo delivery featuring Poetic Licence Raspberry and Buddha’s Hand Gin (picture by shipmate, customer and supreme mistress of partying in summer nights, Danielle)

Ahoy there, my hardy crew! My wastrels of the wave. My loyal limpets!

Last month saw the Nautilus returning from Provence,  laden with French gin; I do hope you July veterans enjoyed your Gallic treat.

This month, we take a voyage North and dock at the Port of Sunderland to visit the friendly folk at Poetic License. 

These fine distillers have spent the last five years building their reputation for creating adventurous concoctions with the ‘Rarities’ series of limited-batch flavoured gins. Since we are riding August's crest right now, it seems fitting to introduce a traditional British summer fruit gin- with a twist; Poetic License’s Raspberry and Buddha’s Hand Gin is just the ticket!

The first question many of you may be asking is 'what in Neptune’s name is Buddha’s Hand?' Like most citrus fruits, it originated in Northern India and China, and its name is derived from its long, curled fingers. Perhaps I’ve been at sea too long, though, because to these weary eyes, it looks more like an octopus. 

In China, Buddha’s Hand is used as a temple offering and is considered a symbol of happiness and good fortune. Perhaps a fortuitous August awaits us?

"What of the gin itself?" you ask. Along with the raspberry, Buddha’s hand and,of course, juniper, they've blended raspberry leaf, coriander and pink peppercorns. If you’d care to pour yourself some neat and explore the aroma, you’ll notice the sweet, almost syrupy, summery tones of raspberry followed by a peppery tingle. 

Take a sip.... you will notice an unusually prompt touch of heat ushering in the luscious berry notes, which ripen towards a hint of bitterness at the end.

This gin is certainly more than the sum of its parts, a testament to the chemistry of the three dominant ingredients which really blend into one unique flavour. It's sweet in a way reminiscent of a sumptuous sloe gin. Pair with its perfect partner- a light tonic, to temper the sweetness for a highly refreshing quencher for (sea) dog days. Add some dried raspberries and pink peppercorns, enjoy the sun and daydream. 

So, until next month my sipping submariners, when we shall enjoy one of my absolute favourite dry gins!