Hendrick’s Kanaracuni Gin is a limited release gin created by Master Distiller Lesley Gracie with the Scorpion Tail plant as an active botanical.
Hendrick’s Kanaracuni Gin – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
Back in the spring of 2013, Hendrick’s Gin Master Distiller Lesley Gracie and Global Ambassador, David Piper ventured into the Venezuelan rainforest under the stewardship of renowned explorer, Charles Brewer-Carias and expert botanist, Francisco Delascio. Trekking through several different terrains of the Guiana Highlands, from savannahs and mountain foots to riverbanks and dense jungle, Lesley tested many promising plant species using her tiny ten-litre alembic still. One botanical in particular captured her senses, that of the most unusual, ‘Scorpion Tail’ with its intriguing complex deep green note. In the heart of the jungle, Lesley prepared 8.4 litres of Scorpion Tail concentrate, which she successfully transported in her suitcase back to the distillery.
Curious to see how the Scorpion Tail distillate would work with Hendrick’s Gin, Lesley immediately got to work on the special edition batch. Working out the exact balance of the flavour of the new botanical with the existing cucumber and rose infused Hendrick’s gin took some time before the winning formulation came to fruition.
Commenting on her latest creation, Lesley Gracie, Hendrick’s Gin Master Distiller, said: “The character of the Scorpion Tail distillate lends itself perfectly to combination with Hendrick’s. The flavour profiles complement each other seamlessly producing a finished gin which is both recognisable as Hendrick’s but evidently different with deeper floral, spice and green character.”
Hendrick’s Kanaracuni Gin Tasting Notes
Hendrick’s Kanaracuni Gin is bottled at 44% ABV, slightly higher than Hendrick’s Gin with the Scorpion Tail distillate added along with Rose and Cucumber distillate.
On the nose, Hendrick’s Kanaracuni has more pronounced vegetal notes, is distinctly floral with a hint of spice. On the palate, the all familiar Hendrick’s DNA is evident with more spice that subdues the notes of the rose botanical. The finish is long and spicy which makes it a pleasure to sip and perfect in a Martini.
Only 560 bottles of Hendrick’s Kanaracuni are available worldwide with only a select audience tasting the rare spirit, it will not be available for retail.
This article was originally published on March 3, 2015 on our sister website Gourmantic.
