Advent Spirits Day 22: Still Gin

Remember yesterday when I was bemoaning how it seems that everyone who has put out a record has launched their own brand of alcoholic spirit? Well, meet Still Gin (or, more precisely, Still G.I.N.), which comes from your friends Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. I’m not making this up.

Snoop is an interesting guy: He’s put his name on cannabis (I know; shocking, right?), pet supplies, wine, breakfast foods (“Snoop Loops,” which was probably inevitable), coffee, and numerous other products. He also has changed his name several times, from Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., to Snoop Doggy Dogg, to simply Snoop Dogg, then for a brief time to Snoop Lion (does anyone remember that??), and now, apparently, back to Snoop Dogg. Meanwhile, Dr. Dre is known for his “Beats” headphones, which at least are remotely connected to the profession for which he is known.

So now they’ve made a gin. Excuse me if I’m skeptical. And yet, their combined worth is about a billion dollars (Dre has the “lion’s” share, if you’ll pardon the expression.) So they must know a thing or two about pleasing the public. Then again, McDonald’s knows a thing or two about pleasing the public, but no one wouldn’t call their hamburgers gourmet.

Let’s check the blurb on their website: “Modern yet elegant, the latest release from the hip-hop icons’ new spirit company bursts with notes of tangerine, jasmine, and coriander for an unforgettable aromatic finish. Defiantly smooth.” Well, we should give it a try.

Appearance: It’s as transparent as my barista’s uncharacteristic friendliness during the Christmas Tip Season.

Aroma: This actually has an inviting aroma. There’s no alcohol astringency–just botanical freshness. It’s mild and floral and maybe a little citrus. Dare I say “gin and juice?”

Taste: OK, I have to admit this is one of the best gins I’ve tasted. It’s exceptionally (or is that “defiantly”?) smooth. There’s no alcohol harshness. It tastes like a walk through a botanical garden on a spring day right after a rain. (Snoop, I’ll give you that one for free.)

Finish: There’s a crispness on the finish that really puts a bow on the sipping experience. It’s got the alcohol warmth without the bite. That’s some sophisticated crippin’. OK, I’ll stop now.

Bottom Line: This stuff is about the same price as Bombay London Dry Gin, which is my usual bar staple. I think I like Snoop’s version better for sipping…but how would it be in a martini? We may need to explore this further.