Hops benefit greatly from a cooler processing, much like dry-hopping in beer. Traditional cooking of hops underscores the bitter components of the cone, while burning off much of the lighter floral attributes of fresh hops. Here at Tamworth Distilling we have a unique capability to cold distill our botanicals. Our process maintains these lighter attributes of the vinous flower.
We are lucky to have a local homestead discover some forgotten New Hampshire heirloom hop vines. We hand harvested those small cones, and bolstered the gin with common players in beers: Citra, Amarillo and Centennial, Columbus hops.
After the hop harvest, the four different cones were infused and distilled using our rotovap process. These hops were then given a structure with coriander, angelica, lemon and ginger.
Much in line with an IPA beer, this gin showcase the aromatic qualities of hops – not the bitter side. The four varietals of hops are prominent on the nose, fortified with the piney qualities of juniper and the floral spice coriander. These hops are present more fruity and tropical notes.
The taste is a pleasing follow through of the nose. It finishes slightly dry and medium, without overt resinous juniper tones. It sips surprisingly crisp on its own, but the botanicals come alive in a gin and tonic. The base neutral spirit was specific to this gin, highlighting a 100% soft white wheat recipe.