The recent boom in the Australian craft gin scene has brought some innovative products to the category and the latest is a local craft gin that changes colour when you add tonic.
From Husk Plantation Distillery in Northern NSW comes Ink Gin, a dry style of gin with a distinctive purple colour. Ink Gin is made using a mixture of 14 Australian native and traditional botanicals in a base of 100% Australian grain neutral spirit. The botanicals which include lemon myrtle, valencia orange peel, lemon peel, bois bande, juniper berry, angelica root, elderflower, cinnamon, pepperberry, cardamom and licorice root are distilled in small batches in a copper pot and bottled at 43% ABV.
An extra step in the production is responsible for Ink Gin’s trademark colour. A post-distillation infusion of butterfly pea flower petals gives it a natural colour and pH sensitivity. Add tonic water and watch the chemical reaction taking place changing the natural “ink colour” from blue/purple to pale pink.
Ink Gin Tasting Notes
- Country of Origin: Northern NSW, Australia
- Colour: deep purple
- Nose: bold aromas of citrus and coriander lead onto juniper followed by sweet notes of orange
- Palate: citrus notes along with pepperberry and spice taper towards woody notes and oil from the citrus peel
- Finish: dry, medium finish with citrus oil coating the mouth ending with an astringent mouthfeel
- Price: $79.00 AUD for 700ml
Comments: With its citrus and peppery notes, Ink Gin makes for fine sipping neat. In a G&T using Fevertree Indian Tonic, the gin’s major botanicals were a little lost in the drink. However, in a dry Martini, it stood up very well and produced a well-balanced dry and citrusy cocktail, particularly when chilled properly.
Ink Gin is unlike any other gin in flavour and while the idea of a colour changing gin may have a novelty factor, the spirit stands up well to the taste test and inspires ideas for creative cocktails.
Next… Ink Gin Cocktail Recipe.
Updated 14 December 2018
