Merritt Distilling Oceanic Gin
Made from a base spirit of chardonnay, this gin is heavily perfumed with wafts of yeasty banana. Characteristically, gins with alternative base spirits produced on smaller stills have these heady banana esters. Once they blow off, the nuance of the botanicals can shine through. This gin has a potent floral aroma, with a salty iris quality; it's an intoxicating juxtaposition between sweet and salty. The bright, grassy notes of camomile and coastal daisy – also called 'native rosemary' – brighten up the front palate of the gin. Not overtly juniper-forward, with warmer spice notes carrying a woody flavour. The base spirit is present throughout the drinking experience; it comes back around on the finish with warm sandalwood notes carrying through.
