Dandy Gin by Domaine Lafrance
Domaine Lafrance in Quebec is making some interesting products. I reviewed their Rouge Gorge Cider Vermouth earlier this year and now I’m trying out their gin – the newest product to come out of their Distillery. Lafrance has been distilling apple-based spirits since 2013; their line up includes Pure Légende, an apple spirit; Tonnelet, a cider apéritif; their two cider vermouths, Rouge Gorge white and red; and now Dandy Gin.
Dandy starts with an alcohol base made from orchard fruits – apples, pears and grapes – harvested at Domaine Lafrance. It is then infused with apple tree blossoms, picked during bloom at the end of May. The end result is an attractive, smooth gin that is great for people who aren’t a fan of juniper flavours.
On the nose, Dandy gin smells floral and sweet, with notes of honeysuckle, elderflower and citrus. The first taste is smooth with those sweet notes carrying over; an intense mid palate hits with lime and a bit of earthy tones that make me think of camping – damp, overturned earth combined with campfire wood. It ends strong with a slight alcohol burn at the end. Juniper flavours are there, but subtle, nosing in from start to finish without being overbearing.