Opihr Tasting Notes

There’s a new spiced gin on the market going by the name of Opihr. From new company Quintessential, it has been developed by Master Distiller Joanne Moore to ‘open your senses to the rich aromas of the ancient spice route.’

Using hand-picked botanicals including juniper from Italy, coriander from Morocco, angelica from Germany, cubebs from Indonesia, orange from Spain, grapefruit and cumin from Turkey, and cardamom, ginger and black pepper from India, these botanicals travel thousands of miles along the ancient spice route of  Philippines to London, to their final destination in Warrington, the home of England’s oldest gin producer.

The name Opihr is reference to a port or region mentioned in the Bible, famous for its wealth. King Solomon is said to have received a cargo of gold, silver, sandalwood, precious stones, ivory, apes and peacocks from Opihr every 3 years.  It’s location has been speculated as Africa, The America’s, India and the Philippines.

So how does it fare? Well below, I give to you my tasting notes –

Opihr – 40%

Hints of dry spice on the nose with the coriander dominating mostly. Soft beginning on the palate but develops slowly into a warmth of black pepper and cubebs. Not too spicy, but definitely present as it creates a long finish with a touch of dryness.

Fantastic on its own, but recommended to go with this simple recipe –

Opihr and Tonic

Glass –

Rocks

Ingredients –

30 ml Opihr
Top with Fentimans Tonic

Method –

Pour Opihr over ice filled rocks glass and gently pour Fentimans on top. Garnish with a slice of fresh red chilli or a slice of ginger.

There’s not many spiced gin out in the market, especially here in the UK, but I can see this catching on with many a bartender, so expect some fantastic creations in the coming months.

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