Port of Barcelona Gin

Yesterday I posted a story on the award-winning Obsello Absinthe Verte and today I wanted to discuss Port of Barcelona. From the makers of Obsello — Esmeralda Liquors –  Port of Barcelona is a brand new, micro-distilled gin that was recently unveiled in San Francisco.

Every bottle of Port of Barcelona Gin is distilled in the seasoned absinthe stills (which use flame heat that require more craftsmanship, but give the makers more control, than standard column stills that use steam heating systems), used to produce Obsello Absinthe Verte. These pots are engineered specifically to capture a higher percentage of the essences of plant and botanical ingredients, which may help and explain why I was told that some of the folks at Esmeralda have nicknamed the gin “the lightning rod” due to the incredible and polarizing opinions it has generated!

In a press release, Esmeralda Liquors distiller B. Alex noted — “This is not your average gin. We pitted unflinching quality and taste against rouge personality and wit, sealed the bottle and hit the starting bell.”

The smooth, complex gin is made using 100% malted barley for a base. It is made in the oldest of production styles and contains only natural, premium ingredients, many of which are sourced locally in Spain where Esmeralda hand-crafts both gin and absinthe in small, 400 liter batches.

Port of Barcelona Gin’s bouquet is described by Esmeralda Liquors as having an herbal bouquet featuring juniper, citrus and the roots and stalks of Iris flowers. In fact when you pour the gin you are likely to be immediately struck by the juniper. The gin is amazingly smooth (you won’t feel a burn), and therefore can easily be enjoyed on its own (nothing polarizing about it — just exquisite!).

Port of Barcelona Gin comes packaged in an attractive, short, but plump bottle.

A 750ml bottles retails for around $30.

June 2nd, 2009 by Beverage Blogger | Posted in Gin, Reviews | (0)