From Midsummer Solstice to Lunar, Hendrick’s never fails to wow with their seasonal expressions. Their newest release from the exclusive Cabinet of Curiosities is Neptunia, an expression of the magic of the seas 🌊✨
We got to try it first before it hits the shelves, and here’s what went on that night…
In true Hendrick’s fashion, they went all out to ensure we were thoroughly immersed in the tasting of Neptunia. After all, what better place to taste and experience the ocean magic than being ‘underwater’ at the S.E.A Aquarium.
The launch kicked off with a series of enthralling story-telling performances by the Hendrick’s team and regional ambassador Charmaine Thio. They shared with us the inspiration behind Hendrick’s Neptunia, the history of how some cocktails, such as the Red Snapper, came about, and more.
Neptunia Gin: Taste & Initial Impressions
The inspiration behind Hendrick’s Neptunia came about one day when Master Distiller Ms. Lesley Gracie was strolling along the local beaches by the Hendrick’s Gin Palace and was entranced by the enchanting melody of the waves 🌊
So just what does Hendrick’s Neptunia taste like? Described as the magic of the sea expressed in a gin, Neptunia combines its signature notes of roses and cucumbers with deeply refreshing Scottish coastal botanicals (all ethically grown and sourced), fresh coastal herbs with a smooth, bright citrus finish, and a smooth, bright citrus finish with a hint of sea breeze. It’s also slightly savoury, makes you salivate, and you simply can’t resist going back for more.
It sounds almost impossible to encapsulate the magical sensation of being by the seas but trust us, Ms. Gracie, has done a fantastic job once again.
Oysters
One of the best ways to savour Hendrick’s Neptunia is to have it with a fresh, raw oyster 🦪 Not on the side, but we mean to pour a splash of it onto the oyster and slurp it all up!
Hear us out, it sounds wild… but the pairing was out of this world! Suppose you’ve never had oysters this way before – in that case, it might now be the only way you ever want to enjoy them 😉 The hint of citrus from the gin added a touch of acidity, and the coastal botanicals and herbs enhanced the aromas and flavours of the oyster.
Hendrick’s Neptunia Cocktails
Hendrick’s recommends enjoying Neptunia on its own, or as cocktails such as Neptunia Fizz, Neptunia & Tonic or Neptunia Gimlet.
Our personal favourite was the Red Snapper, which was a pleasant surprise! With the other cocktails, you get familiar flavours and lovely botanicals. However, with the Red Snapper, it really felt like you were having a drink of the ocean (in a pleasant way).
The Red Snapper was packed with flavours – the tomato and lemon juice and hot sauce also enhanced the distinct taste of Hendrick’s Neptunia. Savoury, slightly spicy yet not too overwhelming on the palate it was a lovely contrast to the other cocktails; and best showcased the magical sensation of being by the waters, as Hendrick’s Neptunia promises.
Project Seagrass
In line with the launch, Hendrick’s has partnered with Project Seagrass, an organisation working to conserve seagrass ecosystems. Fun fact: Seagrasses are the most hardworking working groups of organisms that live at the bottom of the sea!
Seagrass meadows sequester and store carbon, which helps us tackle the effects of climate change. They also provide shelter and food to a diverse community of animals; from fish to crabs, turtles, marine mammals, and even birds.
With Neptunia, Hendrick’s aims to raise awareness and funds to support seagrass meadows and their critical role in the marine ecosystem. Hendrick’s is also funding new projects such as a targeted seagrass study on the westcoast of Scotland, where the Hendrick’s Gin Palace is located to unlock the opportunity for restorative work in the region. Saving seagrass means saving our seas!
Where to get Neptunia Gin?
Hendrick’s Neptunia will be available from 6 April onwards at Cold Storage, iShopChangi and WG&S brand stores on LazMall and Shopee. Give it a try for yourself – trust us, you’ll be blown away by this expression 🧜🏻♀️
Disclaimer: We were guests of Hendrick’s and AKA Asia, but all opinions remain our own.
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