‘Our Richest, Biggest and Boldest Gin Yet’: Distillery Behind World’s 1st Color-Changing Gin Unveils Bitter Orange Expression

Australian distillery Ink Gin launches its “richest, biggest and boldest gin yet.” (Photo: Ink Gin)

On Wednesday, Ink Gin, the Australian distillery popularly accredited with launching the world’s first color-changing gin, unveiled a new orange-forward expression.

In an ode to nostalgia, the resurgence of simple, classic drinks like martinis has captivated the spirits world in recent years, the brand shared. Embracing this trend, Ink Bitter Orange Gin offers a bold and rich profile, crafted specifically for use in Negronis and aperitifs.

The driving force behind this gin was the distillery’s desire to infuse the sophistication of bitter orange into a spirit that would be approachable, versatile and reminiscent of times past. Quentin Brival, Ink Gin’s head distiller, embarked on a meticulous journey of product development, experimenting with various citrus varieties and painstakingly fine-tuning the recipe, the spirit producer explained.

“We use a bunch of citrus fruit in Ink Bitter Orange Gin,” Brival explained. “Firstly, we (of course!) use bitter oranges, which taste like lemon-ey mandarins. We balance this with sweet orange fruit, rescued oranges (orange leftover from distilling our original Ink Gin, which gives a rich orange oil mouthfeel and smooth texture), sweet orange peel, as well as bergamot and grapefruit.”

Additionally, vanilla and sweet orange peel were infused post-distillation to balance the tart notes, while chamomile flowers softened the powerful orange peel. According to Brival, the native aniseed myrtle used in the gin enhanced the overall mouthfeel.

Find Ink Bitter Orange Gin on the distillery’s online shop, priced at $89.00 per 700ml bottle.

Ink Bitter Orange Gin Tasting Notes, Via The Brand

Up Front: Strong juniper backbone and fresh orange tang

Mid-Palette: Rich and full with camomile flower softening and creating roundness

Finish: Aniseed myrtle oil complemented by caraway brings fennel notes and orange oil to hold a long, balanced finish

In November 2022, Ink Gin debuted a fruity gin that helps raise funds for and showcase emerging Australian artists.

Read next:

Bombay Sapphire to Showcase 4 Korean Artists in Upcoming Pop-Up Exhibition

Come on Barbie, Let’s Go Party: Celebrate the Debut of the World’s Pinkest Movie With These Top 5 Pink Gins

Here’s Why Bartenders Are Adding Uncooked Rice to Cocktails

Here at Gin Raiders, we do more than write about current events in gin and spirits. We are the only media property reviewing gins and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the gin world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of gin in your morning email, sign up for our Deal of the Day newsletter.

Filed Under:

Follow The Daily Pour:

About The Daily Pour

Founded by Dan Abrams, The Daily Pour is the ultimate drinking guide for the modern consumer, covering spirits, non-alcoholic and hemp beverages. With its unique combination of cross-category coverage and signature rating system that aggregates reviews from trusted critics across the internet, The Daily Pour sets the standard as the leading authority in helping consumers discover, compare and enjoy the best of today's evolving drinks landscape.

Candie Getgen is an editor and the database manager for The Daily Pour. Before immersing herself in the world of spirits journalism, Candie has been many things: a bartender, a literary journal editor, an English teacher — and even a poet. Candie has a passion for gin and shares it with the world in hopes of helping others fall in love with it, too (if they haven't already!). When not writing, Candie enjoys sipping a Negroni while drawing or relaxing by the pool with a campy mystery novel.