Back in 2015 when we visited Sullivans Cove distillery in Tasmania, something was quietly distilling. The award-winning single malt distillery has released Hobart no 4 Gin just prior to Christmas.
Hobart no 4 Gin is a small batch double distilled gin made from Tasmanian barley, the same malt spirit used to make Sullivans Cove whiskies and pure Tasmanian water. Four native Australian botanicals give the gin its distinctive character: lemon myrtle, anise myrtle, lanceolata and wattleseed.
The gin comes in a 700ml bottle with a label bearing similar colour to the award-winning Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask, a single malt whose price point has catapulted since it was voted the World’s Best Single Malt Whisky at the 2014 World Whisky Awards.
Hobart No 4 Gin Tasting Notes
- Country of Origin: Tasmania, Australia
- ABV: 44%
- Colour: clear, viscous
- Nose: bright citrus aromas leads the way to fresh pine and malted barley with some pepper spice while the juniper takes a back seat
- Palate: strong cracked peppery kick upfront leads on to a nuttiness from the wattleseed and fades towards a hint of anise, viscous mouth feel
- Finish: smooth, malty, warming and long with a mildly sweet finish
- RRP: $95.00 for 700 ml bottle
Comments: Hobart no 4 Gin has a bold character that gives it a welcome uniqueness. The soft citrus aromas by no means prepare you for the flavour which surprises the palate on the first sip with a strong peppery kick. With further sips, as the gin develops on the palate, the nuttiness character comes through and with the barley base, these elements give the gin its viscous mouth feel and weight on the palate. This is a delicious gin to sip neat if you’re so inclined. It goes well in a dry Martini and in a gin and tonic with a splash of St-Germain Elderflower liqueur with lemon wedge and mint sprig.
