Stone Pine Gin

I first came across Stone Pine Gin at Top Shelf Boutique Drinks Festival where I was also bowled away by Botanic Australis I’ll admit I ignored it a bit as I was so taken by the unusual flavour of Botanic Australis. Fortunately for me, the distributor insisted I tried it properly and gifted me a bottle. I’m so glad they did, as Stone Pine has fast become one of my favourite Aussie gins.

Pot-distilled in small batches, Stone Pine Gin is firmly rooted in the London Dry style. Unlike many distillers, who readily share information on the botanicals used, the ingredients in Stone Pine Gin are a closely guarded secret. Although I have managed to find out from Ian Glen, the distiller, that the citrus notes of the gin are derived from the distillation of native finger limes. If you haven’t tried these delicious fruits, you’ve missed out. Often described as “citrus caviar”, they are being cultivated commercially and are becoming a key ingredient in many restaurants and bars.

On first tasting Stone Pine Gin, citrus is the initial flavour with the sweetness of the limes very noticeable . It then develops into a warmer flavour of increasing intensity and finishes with a slight spiciness.  I love it in a martini, either dirty or as it’s served here with a twist.

I used Stone Pine Gin in my blind tonic tasting and it drew much admiration from the tasters. Clearly they know their gin as Stone Pine  was recently awarded Silver in the highly contested Dry Gin category in the International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Stone Pine Gin

Country of Origin: Australia

ABV: 40%

Price: Medium

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