Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/844641
88 / the tasting panel / july 2017 CATEGORY REPORT Changing the Gin Game with POMP & WHIMSY GIN LIQUEUR The gin liqueur category has been around as long as gin itself, though it's often overlooked. Sloe gin and Pimm's are probably the most common, and it was the latter that proved inspi- ration for creating Pomp & Whimsy, says CEO Nicola Nice. "The thing about Pimm's, though, is you have to do a lot to it to make it taste really good. We wanted to create a gin experience that could be enjoyed by itself on the rocks." Pomp & Whimsy is a light, floral gin liqueur at a slightly lower proof than traditional gins, lending to easy mixing in cocktails or with "anything bubbly," including sparkling wine, tonic and club soda. "Unlike other liqueurs, it's not quite as heavy or as sweet. A lot of the natural sweetness comes from the fruit that it's infused with, and we add very little sugar to get the sweetness to come through," says Nice. The liqueur begins with a classically distilled gin using 16 whole and natural botanicals. "We wanted to create a traditional elegant gin, but we also wanted to have fun with it, so we styled it up and added some whimsy to it," says Nice. The gin base is then re-infused with fruits, florals and botanicals that, instead of being re-distilled, are simply filtered, preserving the natural color and aromas from the flavoring elements. The striking color comes primarily from raspberries, softening and transforming with time from bright pink to rose gold. As Nice says, "We wanted to create a truly multi senso- rial experience with this spirit—from the color, to the fragrance, to the taste." —Amy Collins POMP & WHIMSY, LLC Tasting Notes Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur's glorious botanicals do not mask this spirit—juicy white peaches and pears on the nose diminish any strong juniper or coriander notes with a jasmine kiss. Luscious notes of ginger, McIntosh apple and orange rind vamp the expansive palate. 95 —Meridith May