This review would like have never happened if not for some pure happenstance, the kindness of the folks at Patient Wolf, and pure dumb luck. Departing for Australia last year, I had a couple of distilleries that I ideally wanted to visit. Before we even left, it became apparent that one of them, Mr. Black was too far away, and many of the others sadly don’t reach our American shores, with the exception of some of the big boys, like Starward. This is where the trouble starts, and how I ended up with a bottle of Patient Wolf Starward Whiskey Barrel Gin.
An Accidental Visit…
When traveling large distances, it’s worth noting that not all businesses are particularly good at maintaining their hours on Google. This was something we happened to learn after arriving in Melbourne and discovered that Starward was actually closed that day. Still wanting to visit a distillery, I opted for Patient Wolf, which looked like it had some great reviews, and was in the same area. A few trains later, and we were there during what appeared to be their normal hours, and walked inside. As we walked in, it became apparent as we approached the bar that they were in fact not in normal operation. Thankfully, their bartender saw us, and upon realizing we were a considerable distance away from home, was kind enough to strike up a conversation and pour us a couple of samples.
To be blunt, their gins are great, and if I’d had the space, or could find them on American shelves, I’d be happy to add them to my bar. Beyond that, they have some delightful canned cocktails as well (which we enjoyed over the course of the trip). But the sample that really caught my attention, and the subject of this post, is their special collaboration between Patient Wolf and Starward, an amazing Sloe style gin that I’ll cherish for some time to come.
Patient Wolf Starward Whiskey Barrel Gin
Sight: A charming coppery color.
Smell: The nose is an enchanting mix of spiced plum mixed with mulled cherries and hints of orange. Juniper envelops the nose and becomes charming spicy. There’s a preserved and jammy funk that runs through the plum, and gives it a depth of layered plum and evergreen that runs dimensions from fresh to preserved.
Sip: The flavor is smooth, spicy, and laced with intriguing runs of juniper and spiced plum jam. The spicing is really impressive, running from clove to cinnamon to anise and cardamom. There’s a subtle sweetness, and it’s incredibly smooth the whole way through. Fresh fruit notes unexpectedly pop out (such as cherry and plum), and the subtle herbal notes around the juniper give it grains of paradise and angelica like notes. It’s overwhelmingly fragrant and complex.
Savor: The ending lingers with the baking spice notes, plenty of juniper, and a great subtle oakiness. It lingers pleasantly and complexly.
It’s sad to say that Patient Wolf Starward Whiskey Barrel Gin is not a regular offering from Patient Wolf. It’s frankly an incredible interpretation of an aged sloe gin that builds off an incredibly solid gin base. The use of Starward Whisky gives it a uniquely wonderful flavor that plays to the more world whiskey style that Starward achieves. Probably because of this, the product feels balanced between the whiskey influence and the blackthorn gin. All in all, this is a stellar Sloe Gin that I can only wish was available world wide.
In Cocktails
In a Sloe Gin Fizz, it’s absolutely stellar. The spice notes and hints of sloe come through with a beautiful richness, while the lemon adds a brightness. The concert of flavors is brought to crescendo with juniper playing a prominent role. The entire cocktail works in a refreshing symphony that feels perfect for a late summer evening or early fall afternoon.
In Review – Patient Wolf Starward Whiskey Barrel Gin
Overall, I really love this bottle. We happened upon it by chance, and it really represents a special effort by the distillery to create something unique and collaborative with another major player on the Australian spirits stage. The result is complex, refreshing, and crafted with purpose. Similar to the other gins we got to try in our brief (and accidental visit), this attention to detail is what make Patient Wolf worth your time to seek out. This is a full throated recommended bottle if you happen to have access, and for now, we’ll be over here cherishing this one until another opportunity comes our way.
And if you ever find yourself in Melbourne, visit their distillery and try their gin if you get the chance, you won’t regret it.