Old Raj Dry Gin is 55% abv. / 110 proof and has been distilled in Scotland since the early 1970's for Cadenhead, a renowned maker of premium single malt scotch. The strength is that of traditional dry gins and that powerful spirit works very well. It is considered the super premium gin that lead the pack by decades, compared to the new, premium gins that have hit the market in the last few years.

What makes Old Raj unusual is that it has a hint of a pale yellow/ gold color to it. This is because one of the last steps in its manufacture is infusing it with Saffron, the floral spice that is worth up to $3,000-$5,000 per pound. For those of you who don't know, saffron is the stigmas of the crocus flower. There are three of these tiny threads in each flower and they must be carefully picked by hand, and then dried quickly but gently to preserve the intense floral flavor and aroma. It is an extremely labor intensive process with 14,000 threads needed to make up one ounce. Some of the other botanicals used are Juniper, Coriander Seed, Angelica Root, Lemon and Orange Peels, Orris Root, Cassia Bark, and Almond Powder.
The aroma is a bit sharp with a high alcohol juniper base, some slight citrus, and hint of a floral tone. It's a very solid and complex, traditional dry gin aroma. The taste is of spicy Juniper, with earthy angelica and orris root up front, tart and tangy, followed by a pleasant, slight, citrus pith bitterness, and hints of spices. The almond powder is barely noticeable as is the saffron.

This is a very old style dry gin in flavor and strength at 55% abv. and is surprisingly light, elegant, and refined. The exact opposite in style from some of the new, bold and brash in your face premium gins. Old Raj isn't a common gin; rather it is the royalty of gin. Many consider this gin to be the best in the world, and the price shows. Expect to pay $50-65a bottle. If you can find it. This gin isn't for everyone. It's expensive and hard to find. They don't waste money or time on advertising, and they don't have to. Old Raj speaks for itself, and its lovers champion it strongly.

I like it chilled cold and sipped or on the rocks. But it has such an elegant taste that it makes a very good, ultra dry martini. When I made a G&T I decided to splurge. Since it is the most expensive super premium gin in the world, I broke out a small bottle of the best premium tonic on the market. Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water from the UK to match. This was the epitome of a gin and tonic. Very sharp, dry, full of myriad flavors playing off each other. Spices galore and exceptionally good. In no uncertain terms these two components of the classic G&T took that simple, classic drink to a new level. I now dub a gin and tonic made with Cadenhead's Old Raj Gin and Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water a Royal Gin and Tonic. This is the drink I want to sip and enjoy at the end of a long day, the next time I am on safari in Africa.