The Gin Diaries pt1: Darnley’s View

Yes, it’s true…  The Connoisseur loves a good cocktail..!  With that in mind, I am beginning a series of reviews for all the gin lovers out there.  This following is part 1…

A relative newcomer on the scene, Darnley’s View is a small batch gin crafted by the Wemyss Malts folks in Edinburgh.  Per the website, the name comes from a day in 1565 in Scotland:  Mary Queen of Scots first spies her future husband, Lord Darnley through the courtyard window of Wemyss Castle, the historic family seat of renowned vintners and spirits merchants, the Wemyss family (pronounced 'weems').

As for the gin itself, it is classified as a London Dry gin.  Six botanicals are used in the making of Darnley’s View:  juniper, elderflower, lemon peel, coriander seed, angelica root and orris root.  This is a grain spirit gin and distilled four times.

The nose is balanced with notes of the lemon peel and coriander accompanying the juniper.  As for the taste, let me start by saying I am duly impressed.  The juniper makes itself known on the front palate – the initial impression.  This quickly blends with the lemon peel and other botanicals for a very smooth and balanced mid-palate and finish, with the angelica root leaving a bit of dryness on the tongue.  If you prefer a stronger juniper kick, this might not appeal to your taste, but for a gin with good balance and structure, I highly recommend Darnley’s View.  Well done..!