Piff Paff - Premium Hydrolate - 0.0% Gin

Photo: Oliver Schwarzwald

Doesn't fire!?

It does fire, and it fills the tongue, not the head. The very aromatic 0.0 % hydrolate is produced by Applaus Gin from Stuttgart. A design inspired by the 1920s is meant to remind us of the circus that was resident at Stuttgart's Marienplatz till 1918. I am a fan! Labels designed like this simply give me great pleasure. A charming way to call attention to itself, to share a little story and, in the best case, to make me eager to find out what's inside. Like here, and I am not disappointed. Immediately upon opening, the herbal whip cracks. Multi-layered, dense and delicious. The first thing on the nose is mint, followed by lemon balm, then a hint of lavender and fresh citrus notes, but also resinous tones like rosemary and thyme. Mixed with tonic, a surprising amount of aroma remains in the glass. The gin-typical juniper is clearly recognisable. Sage, rosemary and thyme mix vigorously in the glass and create a fine trio of herbs. English mint provides a refreshing aftertaste that takes away from the tonic's sometimes brittle finish. That's why I recently used Piff Paff in the White Nugroni. In this variant of the alcohol-free Negroni, the alcohol-free premium hydrolate unfolds its convincing herbal power. In addition to the vermouth and bitters used, the 0.0 % Piff Paff Gin gives the Nugroni its very own note.

Clear the ring and cheer!