Review: Hendrick’s Oasium Gin

Midnight at the oasis / Send your camel to bed

The latest from the Hendrick’s Gin Cabinet of Curiosities is inspired by a visit to a Middle Eastern/North African oasis, where I’m not sure any gin has ever been consumed but, hey, who’s counting?

Per the distillery:

This limited release reimagines Hendrick’s through a lush blend of green botanicals, delicate herbs, and a kiss of citrus that captures a sensory oasis in every sip.

Lesley Gracie has long been captivated by crafting intriguing botanical blends to tell the stories of her personal experiences, and to mark the sixth release from the Cabinet of Curiosities, she drew inspiration from a curious expedition to a desert oasis. Following an unusual journey involving camel polo and sun-drenched sands, Lesley found herself enthralled by a hidden paradise brimming with cooling herbs and vibrant fruits. She bottled this experience in the form of OASIUM, inviting imbibers to embark on a journey that unfolds through exquisite flavors, awakening curiosity and satiating adventurous spirits.

“I find endless inspiration in my surroundings, and every time I see the palm trees in the Hendrick’s Gin Palace, I’m transported back to this extraordinary trip,” said Lesley Gracie. “It was such a remarkable journey that I had to capture it in a gin, preserving the memory forever. As someone who’s always in search of new flavors, it was fascinating to see what plants grow and thrive in an oasis. There’s a very distinct, fresh green character and bright citrus note to Hendrick’s OASIUM, rounded off by aromatic herbs that play delightfully well together. ”

Utilizing the beloved Hendrick’s Gin as a base and building on its iconic infusions of rose and cucumber, OASIUM brings an invigorating twist to the classic, ideal for gin enthusiasts seeking a flavor as vibrant as the desert sun. This limited release enchants the senses with a vibrant blend of citrus and herbal notes, showcasing desert-inspired botanicals that lift its crisp, green profile to new heights. Silky layers of flavor harmonize with aromatic herbs, culminating in a refreshing finish with a zesty twist.

Let’s take a sip before heading back to the kasbah.

While Hendrick’s doesn’t say a lot about what’s actually in Oasium — just “aromatic herbs and bright fruits” — this is a real crowd-pleaser that ranks among my favorites of the Hendrick’s limited editions to date. The nose is a fun combination of floral Hendrick’s and lively fruit notes. I was expecting dates, figs, and grapes, but instead the nose recalls peaches and some mango, plus some juicy mandarins. Rest assured there’s a classic gin-like austerity here, mild with juniper and heavier with angelica, that ensures you know you’re not drinking a flavored vodka, a whiff of classic Hendrick’s cucumber clinging to the edges.

The palate finds the fruit all the brighter and, to be sure, much more tropical. A veritable fruit salad punch of pineapple, peach, maraschino cherry, lemon curd, and very juicy mandarin notes kick things off before making room for just a hint of florals, fading slowly from there into a more classic, herb-driven gin profile, with juniper and cardamom adding a layer of — maybe, perhaps — desert-adjacent intrigue. The finish is equal parts sagebrush and angelica, with a hint of coriander lingering.

The earthier notes make for a nice way to temper the aggressive fruit present on the attack — and I understand if gin purists are put off by all the sweeter elements here. I would not dream of martini season with this gin — but in a highball or with a fruit juice mixer? Nansaa dhalik.

86.8 proof.

A / $40

The post Review: Hendrick’s Oasium Gin appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.