I love ginger. I really, really do.
I have long been a vocal fan of Domaine de Canton, that zingy ginger-infused brandy liqueur. And when I had a chance to try a swig of Skyy Infusions Ginger vodka, that made me happy too: all bright ginger sizzle and aroma, but no sweetness. And of course, the more fiery the ginger beer for my Dark & Stormy’s, the better (Fentimans is still my brand of choice).
And now, add to the ginger landscape The King’s Ginger liqueur. It’s distilled in Holland, and clocks in at 82 proof (rather high for a liqueur). The label says it’s “produced exclusively for Berry Bros & Rudd” in London, supposedly created in 1903 for King Edward VII. The marketing literature plays heavily on the London provenance. I do like that it’s sold in Harvey Nick’s – very Ab Fab, sweetie darling.
So how does it taste? The honey-colored liqueur has a good dose of ginger in the aroma, but when you take a sip you get hit by a syrupy sweetness first, and then the spiciness of the ginger only kicks in after a beat or two. The end result is that it seems heavier than it really is. I suspect it will be best lightened up with carbonation (tonic water? ginger ale) and citrus. Speaking of citrus, there’s an intriguing citrusy note on the finish, though it fades out quickly.
The final verdict: I prefer ginger to really sing out, so Domaine de Canton still wins for me. But I realize that I’m probably in the minority, and many people will enjoy this sweeter version, especially when mixed into drinks. And perhaps consumed while watching Patsy & Edina in action. Kiss kiss, sweetie darling.
Tipple Sheet 
Yo Kara!
There’s this stuff called Snap by the people that make Root (http://www.artintheage.com/spirits-snap/). Snap as in ginger snap. Have you had it? I have had Root, and although most dislike it, I find it enjoyable (great with ginger beer and lime).
G-LO
You are always so tapped in!! I’ve tried Root (at a trade show), but I’ve not yet tried Snap. I think I may need to make it a mission.
Booze geek challenge perhaps? Let’s see who gets to try Snap first. Hehe 🙂
Thanks for the review. I LOVE Ginger too, and will pick up a bottle. Even though there might not be much kick, the bottle is so attractive it will be worth the purchase.
My pleasure! If you can’t find it (it may not yet be widely distributed), I’d definitely recommend Domaine de Canton.
The Canton is low strength and a bit flowery. King’s Ginger is the real deal: full ginger flavour.
Their website http://www.thekingsginger.com has a list of places to get it.
good luck.