Tyree Gin
Tyree Gin :40%ABV
Botanicals: Juniper, Eyebright, Lady’s Bedstraw, Water Mint, Angelica, Kelp, Sea-Belt and unspecified
Flavour profile: savoury
Garnish: fresh mint
Tyree gin is produced by the Tiree Whisky Company, which was set up to re-establish the island’s whisky heritage. The Isle of Tiree that is, not Tyree. The name of the gin is not a spelling mistake; Tyree was the original spelling for Tiree’s Post Office, established in Scarinish in 1802. The name was later changed to Tiree. Confusing when using social media!
Tiree was once home to 50 whisky distillers, now long gone. The natural progression was to produce gin, as Scotland is now becoming almost as well known for its gin production as it is for whisky.
To bottle states that the gin is made “with kelp and Machair botanicals” including Lady’s Bedstraw, which might put some people off; but not us here at TheGinMan Towers. We weren’t sure what Machair is, but it transpires that it is low lying arable or grazing land unique to Scotland. We weren’t sure what Lady’s Bedstraw is either, but as this isn’t a biological masterclass, yellow flowers will suffice. So, now we know, on to the gin.
First, the bottle. Subtle, classy, understated; this will be a common theme.
On the nose, subtle (again) and clean juniper with hints of the sea with herby notes. Dry, paradoxically.
To taste neat, it is complex in a smooth and sophisticated way. There are no gimmicks, no explosions of taste. This is a drink for the gin lover. It tastes like a 40% gin and we wondered if they could have increased the strength a touch. It has a long, warm finish.
We mixed it with Lamb & Watt Original tonic water as we felt, as we often do, that Fever Tree overpowered the taste of the gin. We tried several garnishes and really liked grapefruit and samphire. The recommended garnish of mint was also favoured. Adding fresh strawberry to the mint made the most wonderful summer drink. Cool, sophisticated, complex.
We felt the gin a little too subtle for some cocktails but made a really good martini and is perfect for a summer G&T. It would work well as an accompaniment to fish and sushi.
We wish Tyree deserved success and will be following them with much interest. We will finish as we started; subtle, classy, understated.
