Matured for 6 months in Chardonnay barrels made of Hungarian oak, Counter Old Tom Gin from Washington's Batch 206 Distillery features juniper, orange, lavender, lemon verbena, tarragon and cucumber. A bottle can be found for around $28.
The primary flavors are chamomile, vanilla, and coriander. Meanwhile, everything is laced with a slightly unnatural sweetness. The finish is bitter and reminiscent of tonic. Definitely a candidate for a Long Island Iced Tea.
The palate is stark with oak, especially early on. Counter Old Tom Gin evolves adding a mild hint of vanillin, cinnamon and Easter candy— specifically dark chocolate oranges. You know the kind— whack on the table to crack the chocolate wedges apart? Counter Old Tom Gin towards the finish has darker, more cocoa powder chocolate notes, and perhaps even a hint of very dry wine with slight tannic tones.