Review: Hendrick’s Amazonia Gin

Disclaimer: I’m not affiliated with Hendrick’s in any way; I just like talking about beverages. I am a member of the Amazon Affiliate program and earn on qualifying purchases.

Hendrick’s is easily my favorite of the major gin brands. Gin and soda is my mixed drink of choice, and I’ve found Hendrick’s to be the perfect gin for it. The flavors are balanced and fairly subtle compared to other gins, which gives it a light, refreshing taste. So, when I saw Hendrick’s had put out a new limited release gin, I was sold.

Amazonia is, according to the company, “infused with natural tropical flavors”. It’s in a standard Hendrick’s bottle, but has a beautiful green label with floral (and faunal) details. Amazonia is only available at airport duty-free shops, so I decided to pick one up on my way back from a recent trip.

I tried a little on its own first before mixing it into a gin and soda. Before I had a sip, the aroma had me worried: it sort of smelled like what would come up after drinking too much gin at the fruit stand. Indeed, when I did try it, I found the tropical element mostly tastes like pineapple and it has a rather unappealing bile-esque note to it. A squeeze of lemon or lime restores some of the brightness of the gin, but quite honestly, the added infusion ruins what makes Hendrick’s so great in the first place: its subtlety and balance.

Amazonia isn’t disgusting or anything, despite the vomit comparison; it just isn’t nearly as good as regular Hendrick’s gin. It’s also a bit impractical, because what do you do with a tropical gin if it isn’t good in a gin and soda?

The Hendrick’s website suggests using it in the classic gin cocktails Tom Collins, Gimlet, or Corpse Reviver. Tom Collins or a gimlet I think would work, but absolutely not a Corpse Reviver. Despite its name, it’s a gorgeous cocktail with enough tasting notes as it is and shouldn’t be messed with by using tropical gin. They also make the truly unhinged recommendation of using it in an Espresso Martini.

The Verdict

I’m fine with Amazonia being a limited release. It’s not completely gross and I’ll have no trouble finishing the bottle, but I have no desire to keep it stocked on my liquor shelf. I will stick with the original Hendrick’s gin!

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