GSN Review: Tanqueray Malacca Gin

Tanqueray introduced Malacca Gin to the world fifteen years ago, but at the time it failed to generate enough interest in the average drinker to justify continued production.  Of course, it was an excellent expression that was simply ahead of its time; and now that gin is making inroads against its main rival vodka, this is an opportune time to bring it back.  So, it is with great pleasure that Malacca is again being introduced to the market (albeit on a limited basis).  50,000 bottles have been allocated to various bars in the US market.  Hopefully, the demand will be such that it will be more readily available to the general public soon.

You can read my previous reviews of the rest of the Tanqueray line here.

Tanqueray Malacca (80 proof)
Visual: Clear.
Nose: Immediate juniper with an undercarriage of sweet spice.  The citrus works well to add a lot of high lemon-lime notes.  Mouth-watering and engaging.
Taste: Incredibly smooth and light with a palette that ranges from lemon curd to wintry pine.
Finish: Lingering sweetness with a light touch of slowly fading botanicals.
Overall: A gin that fits well within the Tanqueray line while still exploring new territory.
GSN Rating: A-

For more information go to: Tanqueray

GSN: Backbar Review – January 14-18, 2013

Serrallés USA is launching a new ultra-premium Tequila brand, Casamigos, this month. Casamigos was created by actor George Clooney and nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber, alongside partner Mike Meldman. The new entry is rolling out to 33 states this month. Casamigos is billed as a small-batch, 40%-abv Tequila made with 100% Blue Weber agave. Clooney and Gerber both number and sign each batch. The brand currently features Blanco ($42.99 a 750-ml.) and Reposado ($49.99) expressions.

Des Plaines, Illinois-based importer and marketer A. Hardy USA is set to introduce a new liqueur—Serata Amaretto Di Piemonte—to the U.S. market. Produced in Ghemme, Italy, the new offering will be available nationwide beginning next month, priced at $22.99 a 750-ml. bottle.

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Diageo is bringing back Tanqueray gin’s Malacca variant in a 100,000-bottle edition next month. Billed as a unique blend of botanicals and spices, Malacca, which was sold briefly in the U.S. in the early 2000s, is returning at the request of the bartending community, Diageo says. As such, it will be sold only to the on-trade. The limited edition entry, of which each bottle is individually numbered, will be available in the U.S., Spain, Germany, the U.K., Benelux, the Nordics and Western Europe.

Moët Hennessy-owned Glenmorangie has unveiled the fourth limited edition release—Ealanta—in its Private Edition range. The 19-year-old Ealanta has been aged in virgin American white oak casks from the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri. Only 1,500 nine-liter cases of Ealanta (46% abv) will be made available in the U.S. market.

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Portland, Oregon-based House Spirits has launched Westward, a new small-batch, Oregon straight malt whiskey. Retailing for $49.95 a 375-ml., Westward is made with 100% malted barley sourced from the Pacific Northwest, which is fermented with ale yeast, double pot distilled and aged in two-char American oak barrels. The 45%-abv offering is currently available on- and off-premise in California and Oregon and will expand into New York and Washington, D.C. in April, with additional markets to follow.

Chicago-based Better Brands is launching its first product, Salute American vodka (80-proof, $23 a 750-ml. bottle). Packaged in a canteen-shaped bottle, Salute American is initially rolling out in the Missouri and southern Illinois markets through Lohr Distributing. One dollar from every bottle sold will be donated to veterans’ charities. The brand is distilled and bottled by Rochester, New York-based Lidestri Spirits.

All information courtesy of Shanken News Daily