How to Taste Craft Gin: A Quick Guide

Come degustare un gin artigianale: guida breve

Come taste a craft gin: a short guide for beginners and enthusiasts

Tasting a craft gin isn't just about sampling a spirit: it's a sensory experience that encompasses aromas, textures, and botanicals. In this guide, we'll discover how to approach a premium gin in a simple, natural, and effective way, with helpful tips for understanding the differences between Naturæ Fructetumand Naturæ Herbarium. .


What is needed for a correct tasting?

To truly savor a craft gin, just a few carefully chosen ingredients are enough.

The right glass

A low tumbler or tasting glass allows you to better perceive the aromas. Avoid glasses that are too wide: they disperse the olfactory notes.

The ideal temperature

A craft gin should be enjoyed at a cool temperature(10–14°C). Too cold blocks the aromas, too hot makes them muddy.

Water as a support

Adding a few drops of water can open up the aromatic bouquet: it's a common technique in professional tastings.


Come and taste a craft gin

1. Observation

Look at the gin in the glass: it should be clear, brilliant, and not cloudy. Transparency is a sign of clean distillation.

2. Nose

Bring the glass slowly. The aromas are perceived in three phases:

  • Top notes: citrus, fresh herbs, flowers
  • heart notes: light spices, fruit, resins
  • base notes: juniper, roots, balsamic hints

3. Palate

A small, slow smile helps understand structure, body, and persistence. Observe:

  • initial attack (fresh? citrusy? dry?)
  • evolution (emerging botany)
  • finish (long, short, balsamic, spicy)

Fructetum vs. Herbarium: How to Recognize Them During Tasting

Naturæ Fructetum – fresh, citrusy, bright

Perfect for those who love the more Mediterranean side of gin:

  • orange and bergamot
  • Rennet apple and fruity notes
  • slightly spicy finish

Naturae Herbarium – herbaceous, balsamic, natural

Ideal for those looking for a deep, green profile:

  • laurel and olive leaves
  • lemongrass and mint
  • kaffir lime and balsamic notes

Tips for training your palate

Tasting gin doesn't require complex technique: just listen to your senses and create an aromatic memory.

  • Compare two different gins
  • Smell fresh botanicals (herbs, citrus fruits, spices)
  • Taste slowly, in several moments

A pragmatic and conscious tasting

Understanding a craft gin means recognizing its identity: botanicals, balance, aromatic clarity. Fructetum and Herbarium describe two different yet complementary worlds.

Discover Naturæ Fructetum and Naturæ Herbarium: two botanical interpretations to taste, mix, and collect.