Opihr Gin Review

For a long, long time, Opihr was my favourite gin. It hasn't gone down in my estimations but these days I like to experiment with the gin I drink and try not to buy the same thing over, and over again.

However, seeing as though it had been a few years, this week I decided to walk the old paths of my youth and see whether Opihr was as lovely as I first remember it?

So, here is my full review of Opihr Gin review.

Opihr is available here on amazon 

Who Owns Opihr Gin?

Opihr gin first launched in 2013 and it was an instant hit. I myself remember seeing it around that time when it was marketing in the supermarkets.

The Opihr Gin brand is owned under the umbrella of the Quintessential Brands Group which is one of the biggest international spirits companies in the world. The gin itself is distilled by G&J Distillers. Quintessential brands own a few well-known brands such as Bloom Gin, Grenalls and a range of Irish whiskey and whiskey cream liqueurs.

The story behind the brand is derived from the famed riches and travels of King Solomon, who regularly received Gold, Silver and Spices from a mysterious place named 'Opihr'. Nobody is really sure where Ophir is, but it is thought to have been located along the Ancient Spice route which brought goods from the East to the West.

The route reached as far as the West coast of Japan, through the Indonesian Islands to India and the Middle East. it would cross the Mediterranean into Ancient Europe. Along the thousands of miles, spices and botanicals would trade hands making the route a rich international melting pot of flavour.

It is this very trade route that Opihr gin wishes to express.

How does Opihr Taste?

Opihr is a spiced Dry London Gin - so a twist on the old classic. It has a unique, savoury and pungent flavour which is unlike any dry gin you'll taste. The botanicals in the gin include:

India: Cardimen, Ginger, Tellicherry Black pepper,

Italy: Juniper

Malaysia: Cubeb Berries

Marocco: Coriander

Spain: Orange Peel

Turkey: Cumin & Grapefruit Peel

German: Angelica Root

The flavour is intense, spicy and punchy. The initial flavours are of deep, warm earthy spices. The deep fragrant cardigan is clearly detectable from the outset, and the more complex flavours round off the gin's robust body.

While I like to consider myself a bit of a purist, I do not think that Tonic is the best mixer for this gin. The deep spice in the gin is a little too savoury for many and needs a bright citrusy mixer to provide balance. I like a super sweet lemon or grapefruit mixer to go along with this gin.

Simply squeeze the juice of a whole lemon into a cup, and add sugar until the mixture is of a syrupy texture - add two measures of gin, and top up with a splash of tonic or lemonade. Perfect.

Ophir or Opihr?

Interestingly, there are many who accidently place the 'i' incorrectly in the spelling of the name. I even made the mistake while writing the first part of the review.

The correct spelling is 'Opihr' rather than the way it sounds when being spoken, 'Ophir'.