The Nolet’s brand has been distilling gin for a very long time — since 1691, to be exact — and the Nolet family behind the Holland distillery claims to be the oldest surviving distiller in the country where gin first originated in the early 17th century.
So it might come as a surprise to gin lovers that Nolet, so deeply tied to tradition, has released a gin lacking a notable amount of a crucial ingredient: juniper. Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin is an example of a newer style of gin that holds back on the juniper, even though that botanical is key to defining whether a spirit is gin or not. Instead of juniper, it gives off floral and fruit notes, specifically Turkish rose, peach and raspberry, and that flavor profile alone makes it an intriguing spirit.
Is that lack of juniper a good or bad thing? That depends on how traditional you think gin should be — or on whether you’re a fan of that juniper-forward flavor at all. Either way, it adds a nice fruity dimension to this watermelon punch, which is perfect for any summertime entertaining you’ve got planned.
Nolet’s Silver Watermelon Sparkler Punch
750 ml Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin
2 1/2 750 ml bottles sparkling sake
24 oz. watermelon juice
375 ml lemon juice
375 ml agave nectar
Watermelon chunks
Add all ingredients, except sake, to a punch bowl. Stir well to ensure agave liquefies with other contents. (Shake or blend agave and lemon juice together with ice if necessary.) Refrigerate to chill and top with sparkling sake prior to serving.
— Nolet’s Silver Gin
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