First Impressions
Sông Cái — 'Mother River', referring to Hanoi's Red River — is Vietnam's first gin. Fourteen botanicals distilled in direct-fire copper alembic pot stills: mắc mật berries (a juniper-like fruit), mắc khén jungle pepper, pomelo zest, đia siêu wood, ginger, turmeric, cassia leaf and bark. A tribute to the farmers along the river.
Tasting
Fourteen Vietnamese botanicals. Huge piney nose with cinnamon and lime. Mắc mật and peppercorn palate with ginger and florals. Ginger and prickly ash finish.
The Bottom Line
Sông Cái earns an 8 — Vietnam's first gin is a triumph. The mắc mật berry and jungle pepper create flavours unavailable outside Vietnam. At £43, the Red River in a bottle.
