Southern Grist Brewing Company Gin Barrel Aged Perpetual Composition
What the brewers say
“Solera-style aged nine months in a French Bordeaux foeder with our mixed culture, then an additional eight months in gin barrels.”
What our panel thought
“Aroma has a lovely gin-barrel character—not-overwhelming juniper, more eucalyptus, mint, botanicals. Perked up nicely by the lemony fermentation character, and some Peach Rings add a little sweetness. Zips across the tongue with lively acidity; the gin barrel’s minty-menthol quality is an accent. Wood provides nice tannic structure.”
What our editors thought
“Juniper and gin botanicals in the aroma take on a soft, pillowy feel with an irresistible creamy, wheaty aromatic sheen. A deeper dive brings bright citrus braced by a bit of berry punch. The flavor blends the often-stark gin notes with the same citrus tones. The result is soft and pillowy with perfectly placed acidity that lets the herbal notes frame the citrus highlights in their best light. Big body, but finishes dry, with the same creamy malt the nose suggests. A master class in precision, balance, and vivid energy.”