Review: Strange Nature Gin

Grape-based gins aren’t exactly a new thing, but they remain rare even after years of innovation and numberless new brand launches during the now-fizzling gin boom of recent years. New Zealand’s Strange Nature distills its eponymous gin from grapes but not just any grape. Strange Nature is made entirely from the grape that arguably put Kiwis on the wine-making map. I’m talking, of course, about Sauvignon Blanc.

Unlike most other grape-based gins, Strange Nature begins life as fully formed wine produced by Giesen Group winemakers for their non-alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc. Using “spinning cone” technology, the alcohol is extracted from the wine as a byproduct of the NA process. What to do with all that valuable leftover alcohol that no longer interests the “low-and-no” crowd? Giesen decided to make gin. And not even very complicated gin. They reportedly trialed several combinations of botanicals but decided the flavor and aroma from the Sauvignon Blanc spirit was more than enough, so they added only juniper to the final distillation. Let’s check it out.

Strange Nature Gin Review

Well, they were probably right to just add juniper. This is one of the higher tone and fruitier gins I’ve encountered, and there really doesn’t seem to be much room left for other botanicals. The aroma is bright and almost effervescent with an interplay of tart dark fruit and citrus. Sweet notes of lemon zest, pine resin, and unripened blackberry are evident even before a proper nosing. Industrial undertones — a bit of nail polish remover and camphor — dull things initially but dissipate with a little time in the glass, leaving behind powdered sugar and lemon oil.

On the palate, a big smack of slightly tart lime zest kicks things off, then hints of currants and gooseberry followed by a more earthy layer of juniper, sage, and a little rosemary. The body is round for a gin, hinting at the base spirit with a winey, vermouth-adjacent texture. On the midpalate, Lemonheads and dried grapefruit add more citrus to the mix before giving way to notes of woody pine and limoncello on a subtly sweet and sour finish. It’s a summery gin to be sure, but one with a range of flavors that shouldn’t be universally applied when cocktailing. Probably best with a seltzer or a simple tonic or even on its own over ice.

88 proof.

B+ / $50

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