For this special edition of Tastings Notes, we get acquainted with the new line of Sparkling Craft Cocktails from Rogue Spirits (Newport, Oregon) by getting into a can of Cucumber Lime Gin Fizz.

Crafted to “embody the spirit of the DIY ethos of mixology”, Rogue’s new selection of gluten-free Sparkling Craft Cocktails are made “with award-winning Rogue Spirits and 100% natural ingredients.”  Coming in at just 7.5% ABV, each Sparkling Craft Cocktail “delivers a sophisticated, yet refreshing experience with bona fide craft cocktail credentials.”

This new line launched back in August with the following three offerings (descriptions sourced directly from Rogue’s press release):

• Cucumber Lime Gin Fizz – Inspired by cucumbers grown on Rogue Farms, Rogue Spirits Gin forms the base of this cocktail while the cucumber and lime provide a farm-fresh citrus balance.  ABV – 7.5%
• Cranberry Elderflower Vodka Soda – Inspired by the cranberries that grow on the Oregon coast, Rogue Spirits Bayfront Vodka forms the base of this cocktail while the cranberry, elderflower and lime add a refreshing tartness.  ABV – 7.5%
• Ginger Lime Vodka Mule – Inspired by a favorite at the Rogue Pub in Newport, Oregon, Rogue Spirits Bayfront Vodka forms the base of this cocktail while ginger and lime provide a refreshing balance of citrus and spice.  ABV – 7.5%

All three Sparkling Craft Cocktails listed above are currently available in 4-packs of 12 oz. slim cans at select retailers located in Florida, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Michigan only.  Nationwide availability is scheduled to begin in January 2020.

With all of that background information now out of the way, what do you say we crack open a cold one . . . er, cocktail and get into these Tasting Notes?

Tasting Notes for Cucumber Lime Gin Fizz from Rogue Spirits

Appearance: Poured over ice into a highball glass, this Sparkling Craft Cocktail is a foggy, icy white in color and builds a 1/2 finger of spritzy bubbles that dissipates almost immediately.  Despite its cloudy appearance, you can still see a steady carbonation presence bubbling away within. It basically looks like a mix between a cocktail made with soda or tonic and a hard seltzer.

Aroma:  The aromatics are pretty subtle overall, but you can immediately pick up on an incredibly clean note of fresh cucumber.  Juniper and a mix of nondescript botanicals then surface to hint at the presence of gin.  The profile closes with the soft minerality of quality sparkling water.

Taste: That gin note blooms a bit more here to offer soft tones of juniper, citrus peel, coriander, and various other botanicals, This sets the stage nicely for a refreshing note that can only be described as slices of cucumber dressed with fresh squeezed lime.  Everything wraps up in the finish with a wash of sparkling water.  All of these notes may be light, but they still somehow remain distinct and absolutely present.

Mouthfeel:  Light in body with a bright carbonation presence, this Sparkling Craft Cocktail is wonderfully easy drinking.  None of the flavors are aggressive or dominating on the palate. Everything is just nice and balanced against a backdrop of very clean sparkling water.  The 7.5% ABV is nearly undetectable, further adding to this offering’s high level of refreshment and drinkability.  The aftertaste is just a soft whisper of fresh cucumber.

Final Thoughts:  Just like its appearance, the overall experience provided by Cucumber Lime Gin Fizz falls somewhere between a hand-crafted cocktail and one of those hard seltzers that are so popular right now (yes, we have dabbled in the dark art that is hard seltzer).  With that said, this Sparkling Craft Cocktail quickly sets itself apart from those often-artificial tasting hard seltzers by showcasing nothing but good ole natural ingredients.  The cucumber and lime notes combine with the gentle gin character to create a genuine cocktail experience that reads similarly to a bit of Hendrick’s Gin topped off with a heavy pour of high-end sparkling water.

All in all, Cucumber Lime Gin Fizz has quite a bit going for it:

• It is filled with fresh and natural flavors and aromas
• It is ridiculously easy drinking
• It is wildly refreshing
• AND it conveniently scratches that cocktail itch with just a pull of the tab on a can

It is a truly unique and delicious offering, and – if you are at all a fan of cucumber and/or gin – we highly recommend that you give it a try whenever Rogue Spirits’ Sparkling Craft Cocktails hit your area.  Prost!