Bertha's Revenge Irish Milk Gin 50ml

Bertha's Revenge Irish Milk Gin 50ml is the miniature of the small-batch gin from Ballyvolane House Spirits in County Cork, Ireland. Its base is unusual: instead of grain spirit, it is made from whey alcohol produced from the milk of local Irish dairy farms. That spirit is distilled with Irish spring water and a long list of botanicals, many foraged or grown locally, including juniper, coriander, sweet orange, grapefruit, cardamom, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, elderflower and Alexanders. The whey base gives a soft, smooth texture, while the spices bring warmth. It is bottled at 42% ABV, and this 50ml size is a handy way to try it.

Tasting Notes: Juniper, warm spice, sweet citrus.

Nose: Juniper up front, followed by cardamom, cumin and sweet citrus.

Palate: Smooth, with sweet orange, coriander and peppery Alexanders, then cumin, clove and cardamom.

Finish: Gentle, spice-tinged warmth.

Serve: Sip with a splash of water, mix with a good tonic and a citrus garnish, or stir into a dry martini.