Linden No. 4 Dry Gin
- Country
- Germany
- Alcohol
- 43%
- Bottle size
- 500 ml
- Producer
- Veedel Distillers
- In short
- Floral and fruity
- Botanicals
- Juniper, Cardamom, Coriander seed, Blackcurrant, Elderflower, Orris root, Rose petals, Chamomile
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Aromacode®
- 1 Pine, 25 of 100
- 2 Citrus, 8 of 100
- 3 Fruits, 22 of 100
- 4 Blossoms, 63 of 100
- 5 Grass, 13 of 100
- 6 Herbs, 7 of 100
- 7 Wood, 0 of 100
- 8 Spices, 4 of 100
- 9 Sharpness, 29 of 100
The Aromacode® shows how strongly each aroma comes through. The larger the wedge, the stronger the aroma. Numbers match the list.
About this bottle
This isn't a typical agency gin. It's a product born of a passion for distilling and making spirits. The team has knowledge of chemical processes and, of course, a love of gin. They've combined the two here. Using the knowledge from one profession to drive and support another is a great motivation, I'd say. Talk to the guys at Linden No. 4 and you'll get a sense of the passion behind their product.
The 0.5-litre bottle at 43% ABV features a very prominent number 4 that drives me mad. After years of dealing with Roman numerals at school and with a watchmaker for a grandfather, I can't look away: that 4 just isn't right. So I think of the label as a poster for Jurassic Park 4. That helps me ignore the odd 4. On the other hand, it's clever: you'll spot this bottle in a bar and recognise it from a hundred metres away. Good, because you should try the gin.
Distillation takes place in a 140-litre still that, I'm told, has a 12-metre coil instead of a column to collect the distillate. That could explain why the flavour is so intense. Twelve metres is a long way, with plenty of contact with the botanicals.
Tasting and aroma
On the nose
Linden No.4 Dry Gin greets you with a full, floral bouquet. The alcohol isn't particularly strong on the nose; the overall impression is soft. Juniper steps back to let chamomile and elderflower take the stage. Rose petals in the mix make it a fresh experience without becoming too herbal.
On the palate
The first sip is fairly soft, and the alcohol isn't particularly strong or biting. Juniper is there, mingling with the other botanicals. Gentle spice, cardamom and coriander also emerge. Still, the floral note is the star on the palate. Don't expect minty freshness: it's a light, airy note with a little warmth along for the ride.
Aftertaste
The aftertaste keeps much of the floral character. Cardamom and juniper remain and work a little longer. A medium-length aftertaste with some sweetness pleasantly outlasts the initial intense, complex burst of flavour.
Over ice
Ice changes the flavour a little. The water brings out both the juniper and the floral aspects a little more. Interesting, because adding ice to a spirit sometimes pushes the juniper back. Enjoying Linden No. 4 over ice is certainly a worthwhile option.
Final thoughts
Looking for a floral, fresh and gentle gin, but don't want anything sweet, sticky or berry-heavy? This could be just the one. You get a classic gin flavour with a fresh layer of floral accents. And it's a clearly noticeable layer, not just a hint. New Western style? Yep. If you're looking for an alternative to a very classic gin or a mainstream brand, this is one I'd recommend. Give it a try!
There's a whole story behind this gin about a fictional pharmacist who travelled from London to Cologne, where Veedel Distillers has its headquarters. You can read the story online. The batches were named after stops along the journey, but that's old news now: they've since changed how they name them. The gin's success outlasted the fictional journey.