Tattoo inspired gin
Toni Paterson MW in Other Drinks Become a member to view this article
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Archie Rose X Horisumi Autumn Gin Toni Paterson
In the words of Irish poet, Jonathon Swift,
“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.”
Either Dave Withers, master distiller at Archie Rose is a visionary for creating a gin inspired by a tattoo, or founder Will Edwards is a marketing mastermind?
The Sydney micro-distillery has teamed up with Sydney tattoo artist Kian Forreal, also known as Horisumi, to launch a range of gins inspired by the seasons of Japan.
The first in the range is Autumn, inspired by Horisumi’s tattoo illustration of a Kiku flower, also known as a chrysanthemum; falling maple leaves; and koi, which according to legend, transforms into a dragon through perseverance.
Withers uses this striking design to create a spirit reflective of a Japanese autumn, using botanicals such as red miso, sesame and Sancho pepper, both the leaves and the seeds. Burdock root is used to add a little earthiness. Juniper, which is normally at the forefront of gin, plays a supporting role.
Individual distillation of each botanical allows Withers to have ultimate control when it comes to blending and achieving the desired style.
It is a distinctively spicy gin, with prominent pepper notes on the nose, inherent spice and savoury undertones. Though there’s also a mesmerising citrus character which gives freshness and clarity. The underlying spirit is clean, sweet and bright and the finish is gently warming. Individual, satisfying and complex, it is a spirit which certainly captures the transitional nature of autumn in its flavour profile.
Production of the Archie Rose X Horisumi Autumn Gin (AUD $99) is strictly limited. So, best to get in quick as winter is fast approaching. I mainly remember bare tree branches on my snowy trip to Japan, which would make a fairly bleak tattoo. Camellias and early plum blossoms perhaps? Time will tell.