I haven’t written a proper gin review for quite some time, and there are a number of reasons for that.

Firstly, I was on a bit of a health kick, having seen my weight start to rise in lockdown, I finally decided that I needed to reverse all that addition, and cut back on a number of treats, whilst also getting back into the gym.

Not that I stopped drinking, I just wasn’t drinking as much, plus going to the gym took up a lot more of my time, but with 22kg lost, it was worth it.

The above however, was not the main reason for not posting any gin reviews though, the truth is that I have struggled to find something special enough to write about.

With the gin craze seeming to peak, those entering the market have tended to be a repeat of what someone else has tried before, and I have not been tempted to buy much, instead continuing to enjoy some of the favourites from the gin shelf.

That has continued until a new announcement from Tarsier, a gin producer that I first met at a gin festival in 2018 and have continued to be wowed by.

Sherwin and Tims original Tarsier Gin was a catalyst of my gin reviews and I have continued to be wowed by them ever since. Their first Backpacker series gin, was Khao San Gin, inspired by travels through Thailand as backpackers. When I first reviewed it, it took me on a journey, back to my own backpacking days and sitting on the famous Khao San Road in Bangkok.

Backpacker series 2 and 3 followed with Taipei Old Tom and Calamansi Citrus gins, with me never being disappointed with their creations. Then just a few weeks ago, a social media post grabbed my attention.

Tarsier Backpacker Series 04:China had dropped. A collaboration with one of the best Chinese chefs around, Chef Ken Hom.

All of Tarsiers Gins are unique and very special, delivering an abundance of flavour and taking you on a journey thanks to their carful methods of distillation, which is why they all sit proudly at the top of my gin shelf.

Ken Hom Gin continues this, developed to be served at the Golden Chopstick Awards, it celebrates 40 years since Ken Hom first appeared on our television screens. It definately heightening the sense, with the gin neat, bringing a nose of orange and ginger.

The mouth feel, as always is luxurious, with the flavours being ever present, but with nothing overpowering.

When adding to tonic, the orange comes alive even more, with the star anise also coming quickly to the party.

In the mouth, the Star Anise, Sichuan and Cinnamon recreates a 5 spice rendition , which any food lover would love.

I drink for enjoyment, not of the effects, but of the flavours and the journey they can take you on, with Ken Hom Gin, Sherwin and Tim have once again created an absolute winner.

With a limited release of just 500 bottles and with £3 from each one sold going to the Golden Chopstick Scholarship fund, providing transformative learning for young people building their careers up reg UK Asian restaurant sector.

Check it out, along with all their gins at their own website here.