New Amsterdam No. 485

I got a great deal on this gin due to the fact that it was in a "blowout sale" bin with many other bottles of liquor. It was an easy decision choosing this bottle out of the bin due to the fact that most of the other options were in plastic bottles, like plain vodkas or schnapps. After coming home with the untried liquor and taking a sip, I was surprised.

For those of you who've tried your typical gin before like Beefeater or Tanqueray you know that the prime character of gin is juniper berry (pine). Only taking a whiff of New Amsterdam would conclude that it includes juniper berry and a little harshness, but taking a sip shows how an American gin is different from a Brittish one. The principle character of this gin is a citrus orange. This will make a very different martini.

To be fair it does have a hint of juniper berry but not enough for me. When making cocktails with this liquor approach it with the idea that you're using an orange flavored vodka, like a screwdriver would be great with it. New Amsterdam doesn't fit my tastebuds though, I want real gin. It's not good, but it's worthy C (decent).