The packaging is rather nice, and hints at the gin being more botanical, which is perhaps a bit of an odd concept bearing in mind that all gins are botanical. That's what makes them gin. At first sniff, it smells pretty unremarkable, but not off-putting. No unusual notes, it's rather at odds with the packaging.
I always like to taste a new gin neat, just to get an idea of its full flavours without distraction. I have to say that this wasn't that pleasant on its own, it just tastes like any other dry gin. I was feeling a bit disappointed, but then made a gin and tonic. It's perfectly drinkable with tonic, it's a good, standard, G&T. It's not an exciting drink, but it's a safe, familiar one.
The next step in my testing is always a martini. I dressed for the occasion, emulating the wonderful Miss Fisher in this '20s inspired look. She likes a martini. Hortus makes a good, dependable martini. It's actually a very good choice for cocktails, because it's inexpensive, and there's nothing too fancy going on with the flavours to confuse your tastebuds,
Being Lidl, the price is extremely reasonable - just £15.99 for a 70cl bottle. I think the packaging is misleading, but if you try and ignore that and imagine standard dry gin packaging, you won't be disappointed. A great budget gin to have in your cocktail cabinet.
Have you tried Hortus? What did you think?
I would have definitely expected a flavourful, even unusual gin with that packaging. I like a floral, fruity gin myself. My fav is Butlers gin, lemongrass and cardamom. Delicious. Though a lot of people like only a splash with a dry standard gin.
ReplyDeleteThat packaging is pretty! I've never bought a bottle of gin, I drink it in India (Blue Ribbon - £1.80 a litre!) and occasionally try some of the fancy ones in Wetherspoons but Jon hates it (probably after necking a bottle in his punk past). xxx
ReplyDeleteAt first I was like "WHAAAT, boose from Lidl?!" and then I remembered that Finland is probably the only country in the world where you can't sell anything with over 4,7% alcohol in supermarkets and/or regular stores. Only our little monopolized alcohol shop Alko can sell stronger alcoholic beverages, so we'll probably never see Hortus (or any other drink with over 4,7% alcohol content) hitting Finland. :D
ReplyDeleteI think it would have to taste like something special for me to like it ;) I can appreciate your outfit though - very classy xxx
ReplyDeleteJust here to say I like the Miss Fisher ensemble! I think everyone should get dressed up to do their drinking sometimes.
ReplyDeleteSuch a chic ensemble to enjoy a tipple or two in. And what an elegantly gorgeous label on that bottle. I'd happily frame a larger version of it as a piece of wall art.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
lovely packaging
ReplyDeleteI can't say I'd be able to tell the difference between various versions of gin - I just whack in some tonic and lime and guzzle it down! You look most elegant drinking your martini, far more expensive than a bottle of Lidl gin, haha! xxx
ReplyDeleteGreat packaging on this gin! Too bad it was misleading though. Also, I love spying your kitty teapot in the background! <3
ReplyDeleteI got a bottle of this tonight, really felt let down by the very generic gin flavour, no real botanicals to speak of, pretty bottle, nice lable and cheap enough as an everyday G&T as you said.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The packaging promises subtle flavours. But there are none. A vapid gin only good for intoxication and showcasing your choice of tonic, which is a good reason alone to visit Lidl as their little cans means you don't need a mortgage to buy Schweppes. Kevin may be Love but he is still very much a Kevin.
ReplyDeleteA good tonic , Lemon AND lime and 2 ice cubes. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteWould anyone like to name a better 40% gin for the price?
ReplyDeleteI'd rather buy Gordons at 37.5%. It's not just about alcohol content, flavour has to be right too.
DeletePoor quality no taste
ReplyDeleteI tried this just to see what a Lidl gin would taste like and the bottle did sway me.
ReplyDeleteTo give some context, I actually enjoy most gins from Gordons to Tanqueray to more specialist bottlings of mainly dry gin. The only one I don't like is Hendricks as I feel it doesn't have the juniper kick I like.
The Hortus was quite disappointing in a Martini. I found it to be harsh with a strange aftertaste. I will finish the bottle with tonic water, but will not buy it again. Shame, as Lidl have some nice wines.
Like the idea of dressing up prior to pouring a cocktail though. Nice to make an occasion of it ;-)
I wouldn't buy it again either Portia. The packaging fooled me!! I hope you have more success with your next gin purchase - do pop back and let me know if you find any good ones!
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