There is probably no other saga being that much connected to the German cultural sphere as the “Nibelungensage”, which is widely known, even on a global scale, in the version of the medieval Nibelungenlied (The Song of the Nibelungs). Against this background, it is perhaps not unreasonable to create a German gin whose name stands for legendary heroism like no other: Siegfried.
Hence, Siegfried Rheinland Dry Gin was created by the two entrepreneurs Raphael Vollmar and Gerald Koenen in the former German capital of Bonn and introduced in November 2014. Since then it has made quite a stir and earned a proud reputation. So the Siegfried Gin achieved impressive 95.7 points at the World-Spirit Awards in 2015, which makes him the best rated German Gin of all times at the WSA. Such a score of course makes a lot of people sit up and take notice.
On the label you can see the silhouette of a linden tree.
The Siegfried Rheinland Dry Gin is distilled in the Rhineland and features 18 botanicals. But not only its Rhenish origin has led the makers to pick the name Siegfried, they also use linden blossoms as innovative and interesting “lead botanical”. As you might know, it was a leaf from a linden tree that fell on Siegfried’s back while taking a bath in dragon’s blood, thus leaving this small patch of skin vulnerable (which led to his later death). Of course, the classic juniper also plays his part inside of Siegfried Rheinland Dry Gin and in combination with thyme and cardamom you’ll find a very interesting and delicate flavor on the nose, which is never too strong or all too pungent.
On the palate, the Siegfried Rheinland Dry Gin turns out to affirm it’s very round and surprisingly soft character. Though I could not explicitly identify the linden blossom (what do linden blossoms taste like?), the gin features notes of gentle lavender and spicy ginger. The Siegfried Gin convinced ultimately across the board and I am not surprised that it was able to achieve such a high score at the WSA. But how does it work in the essential Gin Highball, the Gin and Tonic?
To find that out I have combined the Siegfried Rheinland Dry with a Fever Tree Tonic Water and I was also very pleased with the result. The combination with this tonic is also recommended by the manufacturer, so the choice was not difficult. It turned out really nice and consistently recommendable: The Fever Tree Tonic Water stays discreetly in the background but enriches with a pleasant bitterness and a sweetness which is very well harmonizing with the soft and balanced aromas of Siegfried Gin. Due to some very fine citrus notes, it is a good idea to combine this Gin and Tonic with an emphasizing lemon zest. In addition, I opted for a few peppercorns, which pick on the subtle spiciness of ginger. It is a Gin and Tonic I will certainly have again very soon.
Buying sources: The Siegfried Rheinland Dry Gin and the Fever Tree Tonic Water can be found in specialized stores or, of course, you go for a convenient online order (for example here).
