First Impressions
A 'blind tiger' was a Prohibition-era establishment that sold illegal liquor under the guise of displaying an exotic animal — pay to see the blind tiger, get a 'complimentary' drink. The Belgian Blind Tiger gin honours this speakeasy spirit with its Imperial Secrets expression: the full botanical bill is deliberately hidden, with only the key players revealed. At 45%, this is a gin with the confidence to keep secrets.
Tasting
The revealed botanicals include juniper, cubeb pepper, Tellicherry pepper, cardamom, ginger, coriander, citrus peel, and angelica — with additional secrets undisclosed. The nose is bold juniper with exotic pepper spice and cardamom warmth. On the palate at 45%, spice-forward and complex: cubeb and Tellicherry peppers provide layered heat, ginger adds warmth, cardamom contributes sweetness, and bold juniper maintains authority. The finish is peppery, warming, and long.
The Bottom Line
Blind Tiger Imperial Secrets earns a 7 — a spice-forward Belgian gin where the exotic pepper combination (cubeb and Tellicherry) creates a heat profile more interesting than simple black pepper. The speakeasy concept extends to the botanical secrecy, which is a charming conceit. Best in a spicy G&T with ginger ale, or in a cocktail where the pepper warmth adds dimension. At £37, Belgian craft gin with genuine mystery.
