What Is Nolet's Silver Gin?

Nolet's Silver Gin is a modern-style gin distilled in Schiedam, South Holland. It is produced by the Nolet family, who have been distilling gin for over 300 years. A distillery with such history is an unlikely source for a contemporary gin that has a noticeable lack of juniper. Instead, there is a definite Dutch genever influence in this dry gin that has a fruity and floral profile dominated by rose, peach, and raspberry.

This is a gin that can appeal to gin enthusiasts as well as vodka drinkers and those that shy away from the piney flavor customarily associated with gin. You can drink it on the rocks and in simple mixed drinks like the gin and tonic, or use it to create some lovely gin cocktails.

What Is Nolet's Silver Gin Made From?

The Netherlands is the birthplace of gin. Genever was created there in the 16th century, and the Nolet family's story of making gin is nearly as old. Their Schiedam distillery was founded in 1691, and the 10th and 11th generations now run the family business of crafting fine spirits. Yet, today, this distillery may be better known worldwide as the home of the very popular Ketel One Vodka (first released in 1983).

Nolet's Silver Dry Gin is considerably younger. The brand launched in 2010 and follows the newer generations of gin that focus on softer, brighter botanicals. Unlike London dry gin, it is not a juniper-forward gin, though it does include that key botanical that traditionally defines gin.

Nolet's principal botanicals are rose, peach, and raspberry. While the full botanical list is kept secret, it has hints of traditional flavoring ingredients, including juniper, citrus, liquorice, and orris root. Each botanical is individually macerated and distilled using a copper pot still then a column still to make the concentrated flavored alcohols. When all elements are ready, the botanical-flavored spirits are blended with a 100 percent wheat spirit that is distilled four times to create the signature taste of Nolet's Silver Gin. It is married for several days before a member of the Nolet family tastes and personally approves the batch.

Nolet's Silver Gin is bottled at 47.6 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 95.2 proof). This is slightly stronger than the average 80-proof gin, which amplifies the bouquet of flavors. It is a premium gin that is still affordably priced and rather easy to find at well-stocked liquor stores. Sugar-free and carb-free, it is also verified to follow the standards of the Non-GMO Project.

What Does Nolet's Silver Gin Taste Like?

Nolet's Silver Gin has a soft and delicate flavor profile that is somehow also rich. The experience begins with a rose-laden fragrance accented with fresh peach and the slightest hint of pine. On the palate, this gin follows suit with raspberry shining through ever so gently and an interesting, tender mix of juniper, orris root, and liquorice hanging out in the background. The dry finish is where the juniper becomes less transparent, leaving the experience with welcomed familiarity.

Types

Nolet's Silver Gin is the only bottle of concern for most drinkers, as this brand does not offer other expressions. The only exception is one truly luxurious gin:

• Nolet's Reserve Gin: This gin features crocus flower, saffron, and verbena against the base bouquet of botanicals. Bottled at 52.3 percent ABV (104.6 proof), it is designed to be a sipping gin and sells for around $700 a bottle.

How to Drink Nolet's Silver Gin

Gin is not often enjoyed on its own, but Nolet's Silver Gin is an exception. Its flavor profile makes it an excellent drink when sipped slowly on the rocks. The slight chill will open up the gin's bouquet, while a bit of dilution relaxes the alcohol to create an excellent sipper.

Cocktails are where Nolet's really shines, and it's best in lightly-flavored drinks. Avoid anything with dark, savory, or creamy ingredients as they will overpower the gin, and it will get lost. Instead, stick with gin cocktails that have a bright profile to compliment Nolet's unique features.

Start with soda highballs like the gin and tonic or Tom Collins. Or, top a shot of Nolet's with club soda or lightly flavored sparkling water (herb, citrus, and cucumber sodas are fun options). This gin will make a great martini when accented with orange bitters and garnished with a lemon twist (avoid the olive and dirty martinis). However, it's almost better in a Martinez, as the gin's fruitiness is an ideal pairing for the classic cocktail's sweet vermouth and maraschino. The French martini and Park Avenue are great options as well. You can also use it in cocktails designed for similarly styled gins, such as Hendrick's and Aviation.

Cocktail Recipes

As well as Nolet's works in some classic cocktails, it is even better in modern drink recipes. Get creative and pair it with an array of fresh fruits and herbs that will showcase this enchanting gin.

• Poinsettia Punch
• Silver Sangria
• Soho Cocktail
• Watermelon Cucumber Cooler