We are fans of the original Gin Mare, with its unique olive character, and now the producers have released a special edition as a follow-up. Gin Mare Capri is similar in design to its precursor but has some notable differences. It is made, their website explains, “with Italian bergamot from Calabria and lemons from Capri, along with Gin Mare’s four principal botanicals – Arbequina olive from Spain, rosemary from Greece, thyme from Turkey, and Italian sweet basil.” As with the original gin, juniper is present but plays only a minor role among the more prominent botanicals. Also, the bottle for Gin Mare Capri is distinctive and quite beautiful. Let’s give it a try.

This is clearly related to the original Gin Mare, with savory elements leading the nose including olive, rosemary, and thyme, but they are balanced by deep notes of lemon peel that come from both the bergamot and the lemons. The palate follows suit with its savory notes mingling beautifully with oily citrus, creating a gin that shows both palate complexity and a lovely mouthfeel. Gin Mare Capri walks a fine line: It is a contemplative gin that rewards attention, but it also is bright and inviting and can simply be enjoyed on its own merits. I have to say, this is a hard gin to put down. It also pairs nicely with tonic as the herbal and citrus notes stand out yet blend in well with the bitterness of tonic. For gin fans who are looking for more than a slug of juniper, this is one to seek out.

85.4 proof.

A / $48 (700 ml) / ginmare.com

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