In October 2019, Sotheara was living back in Cambodia but came for a visit. He stayed with us, for a few weeks, but in the middle of that he took a trip to Los Angeles and came back with a bottle of gin. It was a nice way to say thank you for putting him up. The bottle first caught my eye, black and opaque. We opened it almost immediately for the taste test. We were both really impressed and AMASS was entered into The Collection as gin no. 042.
AMASS uses 29 organic botanicals in their gin. Eleven of them are local to California and some even grow in the back yard of the distiller. Unlike many high botanical gins, AMASS proudly lists their ingredient list on their website: Juniper, Coriander, Cedar Berries and Bark, Rosemary, Angelica, Orris Root, Cassia, Fennel, Licorice, Cubeb, Cascara Sagrada, Cacao, Cardamom, California Bay Leaf, Ginger, Fresh Lemon Peel, Fresh Grapefruit Peel, Bitter Orange Peel, Dried Lemon Peel, Hibiscus, Lion's Mane Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, Clove, Nutmeg, Ashwagandha, Sarsaparilla, Long Pepper, Grains of Paradise, Lime Leaf.
I need to do some research to find out what some of these even are. Or maybe I shouldn't. I searched for Cascara Sagrada and WebMD told me it was an over the counter laxative! Fortunately, these flavors all come together to make a complex but delightful gin. The nose gives a welcoming citrus aroma balanced with a slightly savory, herbal taste. AMASS makes a spectacular gin and tonic. It is hard to believe that this gin comes in a 90 proof, because even neat, it doesn't have too much heat. And while it isn't my first choice for a sipping gin, it certainly can be enjoyed that way.
A gin this nice comes with a high price tag. You can order a bottle online for $55, making it one of the most expensive bottles in the collection. While that might be a little high, AMASS is worth it as a splurge gin. I would be willing to buy another bottle if I run through this one, and it is getting low.
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