Product: G'Vine Producer: Eurowinegate Approximate Retail Value: $35/bottle Category: Gin Country of Origin: France Reviewer: J. Harding The F Words: Flavor – Spicy, complex. Feel – Icy, clean. Finish – Peppery and invigorating.

Rating:

I don’t know what the deal is with France, trying to shove liquor distilled from grapes down our throats. I mean, is the wine industry not doing so hot? Do they have so many leftover grapes that it’s either alcohol or jam? Or are they simply trying to muscle in on products traditionally distilled in other, less surrender-hungry countries? With Grey Goose leading the charge, white spirits made from French grape plants have muscled their way into the market, and are now joined by G’Vine, a gin made from a grape base and then flavored with grape flowers. G’Vine may exemplify a trend I find frustrating, but it is also truly stupendous liquor.

Grape vines go through a very brief “flowering” cycle, before the flower of the plant transform into the fruit. The grape flower is very delicate, but also aromatic and complex. G’Vine is the first liquor to harness the flavor of the grape flower. A neutral grape spirit forms the base of G’Vine, which is then flavored with ginger roots, licorice, green cardamom, cassia bark, coriander, juniper berries, cubeb berries, nutmeg and lime. Though that may sound like Martha Stewart’s shopping list, all gin is flavored with herbs of this sort. A final infusion of grape flowers adds a refreshing twist to G’Vine, giving it a uniquely soft, but spicy taste. Their promotional materials are correct, if you find yourself disliking most gins, you should still give G’Vine a try. It’s not overwhelming or one-dimensional like other gins on the market. After every sip, I found myself surprised at the different notes I was enjoying.

G’Vine’s unique taste and peppery finish make it an intriguing mixer. The first thing that I wanted to try was a Bloody Mary, which ended up being shockingly good. G’Vine will give pepper vodkas a run for their money. My gin and tonic was tasty, but also a very different experience than the normal G and T, so be warned. G’Vine and bitters was tasty, and my G’Vine martini was an intriguing remix of the traditional cocktail. I also decided to venture into uncharted territory and mix my spicy gin with cranberry juice, lemonade, orange juice, and other frat house staples. Gin is the first choice for the A + B strategy of bartending, but G’Vine made a good go of it. Gin and juice (or juices) turned out to be a spicy treat. Drink G’Vine and be amazed at what a little grape can do.