Not content with getting us Brits hooked on Tapas, those talented Spaniards have done it once again, this time by introducing us to Nordés Atlantic Galician gin, Spain’s fastest growing premium gin.

 

However, Nordés believe that their gin’s herbal and highly aromatic flavour profile makes it the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of savoury and sweet dishes, suggesting that perhaps it’s time to challenge the habits of British drinkers like me, and not restrict ourselves to drinking gin as an aperitif.

 

Always one to accept a challenge and being an avid drinker of gin for the better part of 35 years I can assure them that I am not to be so easily persuaded.

 

Of course, back then the choice of gins was limited and presented with 2 ice cubes, a slice of lemon and a bottle of tonic.

Thirty five years later and this once callow youth has developed a somewhat more discerning palate.

A large Copa balloon gin glass filled with ice, three white grapes for garnish and a large measure of Nordés Atlantic Gin, and I was raring to go.

It is important to taste the gin before adding tonic in order to really appreciate the aromatics. This is particularly true in this case, as the gin is light and flavoursome.

If my love affair with gin has taught me anything it is to add the tonic sparingly. You can always add more tonic, but you can’t take it out.

This gin has gastronomic notes of eucalyptus, laurel and mint and delicate flavours of white fruit, presumably due to the White albariñograpes, from which this gin is derived.

 

If you don’t have traditional tapas to hand, Nordés suggests pairing a well – made gin and tonic (try serving it with fresh sage leaves) alongside a smoked salmon starter or spicy sausage. As a main, match the gin with Thai cuisine to bring out the lemon verbena notes. And for desert, it could be paired with a summer fruit sorbet and a sprig of mint to bring out the sweeter aromatics.

 

My verdict is that this is a highly aromatic gin with a superb fresh taste and cliché or no, it certainly had me smacking my lips, or maybe that was the Nordés Atlantic gin-soaked grapes?

 

But the big question has to be, would I buy this gin and I have to say that I most definitely would.

 

Nordés gin (70 cl) ABV 40% with a RRP of £35 and is available nationwide at Amazon and Master of Malts.