Opihr Gin

Opihr is a legendary city with references leading back to biblical times. The location is contested with scholars pointing to places in Africa, Asia and the Americas (or perhaps even Swindon). Where is was or if it even existed is immaterial to this review, I am merely setting the romantic scene of a city famed for spices and wealth.

It seems in fact that Opihr is now located in London where they are putting their biblical alchemy to good use by producing gin, using the oldest distillery in England no less, in the London Dry fashion. Gin is of course all about the botanicals and the people behind Opihr Gin have certainly created their spirit with the ancient spice route in mind. These include spicy Cubeb berries from Indonesia, Black Pepper from India and Coriander from Morocco.

This is all well and good but does it work ?

Fox's Tasting profile

Upon sampling the gin neat (meaning unmixed – not well groomed) the predominant taste was cardamom with a slight peppery heat. Tasting almost like a liquid kheer, the strong cardamom taste took me back to a good friend’s wedding where this dish was served. Before I continue let me say if you don’t like cardamom this gin is probably not for you, I on the other found the taste rather refreshing and it makes Opihr pleasantly different from other gins on the market.

It works well in a gin and tonic, getting the ratio right between the tonic taking the edge of the strength of the cardamom, but still allowing the flavour to come through. As one of the serving ideas on the bottle suggests I also tried it with ginger ale, as you can imagine the combinations of ginger, cardamom and spices make for a pleasantly warming drink, like being gently buffeted by warm aromatic winds on a magic carpet ride.

Opihr Tasting profile

Nose: A rich oriental spiced gin with a smooth perfume and sharp bursts of citrus. Key notes of cumin and cardamom provide a warm earthy background balanced with the grapefruit peel.

Taste: Soft camphor, some sweetness and oriental spices create a warm mouth feel that lingers but does not increase in intensity.

Finish: Long length with soft cracked black pepper and spice.

Average Price: £24.68

Rating
8/10

So a solid entry from Opihr, whilst the strong spice tastes might not make it your regular go to gin the unique flavour certainly makes it a worthy entry to collection when you’re in the mood to be swept away on an exotic adventure down the spice routes of old.