1128 Portucale Spiced Gin

1128 Portucale Spiced Gin is produced by Portucale Premium Drinks as part of a range inspired by the year 1128, a date associated with the early formation of the Portuguese nation. The series aims to highlight botanicals and flavours connected to Portugal, and the Spiced Gin expression focuses on warm spices and citrus elements combined with a classic juniper base.

According to the producer, the gin is created with seven botanicals, including juniper, cloves, cardamom and orange peel, complemented by the addition of port wine, which contributes both aromatic nuances and a link to one of Portugal's most emblematic products. The botanicals are separated into three groups to undergo individual distillations. Each group is distilled independently to preserve the specific character of its components, after which the resulting distillates are blended to form the final spirit.

On the nose, the gin presents spice-forward aromas, with cloves and cardamom emerging first, followed by citrus notes from orange peel and the herbal presence of juniper. The palate continues this profile with a balance of warm spice, subtle sweetness from the port wine component and a gentle bitterness coming from the citrus. The texture remains smooth throughout, leading to an herbal and mildly spiced finish that reflects the structure of the chosen botanicals.

At 38 percent alcohol by volume, 1128 Portucale Spiced Gin fits into the category of accessible spiced gins suitable for a variety of preparations. It can be served in a gin and tonic with a citrus garnish to enhance the orange notes, or integrated into cocktails where spice and herbal depth are desired, such as a spiced gin sour or long drinks highlighting its citrus and warm-spice character.