I have to admit, I’m not a big gin drinker. Gin tends to be a bit too harsh for my taste. But when I heard about a new gin-based spirit that was geared specifically towards women, the feminist in me was intrigued. It’s no secret the alcohol industry is, and always has been, dominated by men, but sociologist and brand strategist, Dr. Nicola Nice is on a mission to shake things up. Nicola is revolutionizing the spirit industry with a new botanical, gin-based liqueur.
Launched in 2017 and distilled in Los Angeles, California, Pomp & Whimsy is a gin-based liqueur uniquely crafted for a woman’s palate. The handcrafted, botanical liqueur is made from 16 all-natural ingredients including juniper, lavender, grapefruit, cucumber, raspberry and jasmine tea. Dr. Nicola did some research and found many women find traditional gin to be too bitter, but would enjoy an aromatic, infused gin. Throughout her 15-year career as a brand strategist for major liquor companies, Nicola saw many of those companies overlook female consumers. When spirit companies did market to women, they often missed the mark by producing extremely sweet flavors or by simply adding pink packaging to the same formulas.
The packaging is definitely feminine, but not stereotypical. The gin’s aroma is delightfully floral, yet not overpowering. You first taste delicate notes of citrus, tropical fruit and vanilla bean, and it finishes dry with a hint of spice and juniper. Pomp & Whimsy is 60 proof and can easily replace traditional gin in your cocktail or it can be used as a botanical liqueur to liven up your martini or glass of bubbly. I first enjoyed it with club soda and a splash of grapefruit. Then, I tried it over ice. I recommend experimenting and pairing it with complimentary mixers.
Pomp & Whimsy has already won double gold, gold and silver medals in competitions including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Los Angeles International Spirits Competition and New York World Wine and Spirits Competition. “For the first time in 100 years, Dr. Nicola says in a press release, it’s a good time to be a woman in the spirits industry. Women are creating a tidal wave of innovation and entrepreneurialism in general, and with increasing knowledge of cocktails and spirits, are now a driving force of trends in the industry.”
As a cocktail enthusiast and feminist, I’m so excited for the future of this company! Pomp & Whimsy is available for purchase online nationwide from select retailers and can be found in fine liquor stores throughout California. Bar industry professionals can catch Nicola at Bar Convent Brooklyn, June 13th-18th, 2018.
Buy it now:
