The Bottom Line
Pros
- Citrusy gin, great for fruit cocktails.
- Affordable and one of the better gins under $20.
Cons
- Juniper is lacking a bit more than other gins.
Description
- Pure neutral grain gin.
- Produced by N.A. Spirits Co., Modesto, California
- 40% alc/volume (80 proof)
- Retails for around $14/750ml bottle
Guide Review - New Amsterdam Straight Gin Review
As gins go, New Amersterdam Straight Gin is not typical. The lack of juniper is disappointing if that is what you look for in gin. It reminds me of Tanqueray Rangpur - heavy on the citrus and light on the herbs - and if you didn't know what you are drinking you'd almost think it a citrus vodka. The herbs and juniper are there, but are hard to recognize.
Mixing with New Amsterdam is not limited to the Martini, in fact I don't really recommend it in cocktails that are so transparent although the Martini with orange bitters and a twist is decent. Instead, I found this gin finds a place in fruit-based cocktails like the Clover Club, English Rose, and Floradora. I also found it a nice base for some of the creamy, dessert gin cocktails like the Emerald Isle or Caruso.
Tasting Notes:
New Amsterdam opens with a sweet, citrus and floral aroma. The palate is smooth and tangy, with more citrus notes than juniper. The finish is thick, filled with citrus and considerably dry.
