When defining “Neptunia,” point of view is relative.
A gardener will say Neptunia is a plant that detoxifies water while a mythologist will tell you it’s derivative of Neptune: God of the Sea. And when GinBoss hears the word Neptunia…all we think of is Gin.
That’s 3 different definitions, but with one common thread: WATER. And with that…Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin comes to us, influenced by the aromas and flavors of the sea.
If this has you wondering if a gin can actually conjure up memories of the sea, you’re not alone. We had the same thoughts and bought a bottle hoping to explore the coastline.
As always, we will start with how it Neptunia Gin tastes on its own, how it compares to other gins and of course, the best way to serve it. Now on with the review!
What does Neptunia Taste Like, Neat?
Neptunia’s flavor is clean and crisp thanks to early dominant citrus. Some piney juniper comes midway followed by herbaceous zestiness. The saline flavor is clear and present which propels the juniper, floral and herbal flavors forward without ever tasting salty.
Overall Neptunia Gin has a bright aroma of citrus followed by a complex herbal and floral mix including chamomile and faint cucumber.
The finish is clean, warm and dry.
What Type of Gin is Neptunia?
Neptunia Gin is a Contemporary or New Western Gin which takes advantage of local and some non-traditional botanicals.
Neptunia has the familiar rose and cucumber base of the regular Hendrick’s with additional coastal botanicals of sea kelp and coastal thyme.
No doubt, it’s the Kelp botanical that nudges this gin in a seaworthy direction.
Alcohol Percentage of Hendrick’s Neptunia
Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin has 43.4% alcohol.
See how it compares to other popular Gins in our ABV table.
Price: How much is Neptunia Gin?
Hendrick’s Neptunia costs between $39.99 to $44.98 for a 750 ml bottle. The pricing is on par with other editions of Hendrick’s Gins so it’s a good value if you are already a fan of the brand.
I paid $39.99 here in the north eastern USA.
It can be put to work in many cocktails so the price is acceptable.
Is Neptunia Gin Gluten Free?
Yes, Neptunia is Gluten Free according the Hendrick’s website.
How Neptunia Compares to Other Common Gins
There is a plethora of gins for sale so it’s helpful to get of sense of Neptunia compared to other popular gins. Coming up, we’ll go over the key points about Neptunia versus other popular gins.
But first, let’s compare Neptunia to other gins within the Hendrick’s family. I’m happy to report that Hendrick’s new creations do vary in taste, body, aroma and can make certain drinks taste better if you really think about which to use.
Neptunia vs other Hendrick’s Gin Flavors
As you can see from my picture, I’m a Hendrick’s fan! So whenever they come out with a new blend, I add it to my shopping list.
Neptunia vs. Regular Hendrick’s
When smelling Neptunia, you will first sense the familiar aroma profile of any Hendrick’s Gin. Flavor wise, it is initially similar to the original but soon develops a greener, herbier flavor thanks to its salinity.
Here is a breakdown on my thoughts and how I might use Neptunia vs the other blends.
Neptunia vs. Lunar
Hendrick’s Neptunia is a highly herbal gin with flavors like chamomile and thyme and an intense heat. There is a moderate level of juniper leading to a very long finish with coriander and citrus accents.
Hendrick’s Lunar Gin is a highly floral gin, lower on citrus and heat. It has a good level of peppery spice which makes way for the familiar rose and cucumber finish.
What About Cocktails?
Neptunia Gin makes excellent citrusy, slightly sweetened cocktails of the soda and tonic variety like the Southside or even in an Aviation.
Lunar is stellar in a Gin and Tonic and does better than Neptunia in cocktails where there are flavors other than citrus such as: Last Word
Neptunia vs. Orbium
Both Neptunia and Orbium are highly herbal gins with a good amount of citrus.
Here is where they differ the most: Neptunia has more juniper flavor and heat. Orbium has sizeable floral character and an unusually high degree of bitterness thanks to wormwood and quinine.
For Gin and Tonic, choose Neptunia. Orbium would be a perfect choice for a Martini or for bitter cocktails like the Negroni.
Now let’s take a look at how Neptunia compares to gins outside of the the Hendrick’s line.
Neptunia vs Tanqueray
Neptunia Gin is a very herby and floral Contemporary Gin with a hefty amount of heat and citrus. Tanqueray is a quintessential London Dry Gin extending a potent level of heat along with higher amounts of juniper and spice.
Both gins would make a great Gin and Tonic, just very different ones. For a Martini or a craft cocktail featuring dominant flavors, opt for the less delicate Tanqueray.
Neptunia vs Bombay Sapphire
Neptunia and Bombay Sapphire both put forward a strong citrus aroma.
Neptunia offers its heat sooner and is more herbal than Bombay Sapphire. Bombay Sapphire is earthier with juniper from beginning to end.
Neptunia’s finish is warm and subtle compared to Sapphire’s long hot finish pushing forth even more citrus, juniper and coriander.
Both will make good Gin and Tonic but Sapphire seems especially satisfying when you’re looking for a traditional gin Martini. Choose Neptunia for cocktails like the Gin Basil Smash.
How To Serve Neptunia Gin
Fortunately, it’s easy to take Hendrick’s Neptunia in many directions and thoroughly enjoy each one. Here are some ideas:
On the Rocks
Neptunia is one of those flavorful, interesting gins that can be enjoyed simply over ice. A simple twist of lemon or a slice of cucumber would make more than an adequate cocktail while contemplating your next nautical adventure.
How to Mix Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin Cocktails (Recipes and Videos)
We took advantage the salinity of Neptunia and dreamed up our own uses. Here are two Gin Boss takes on some cocktail classics (great for brunch) one savory and one sweet.
My very favorite is the Lilac Aviation with Neptunia. And if lilacs aren’t in season, garnish with any other non-toxic flower.
The Time for Lime
Neptunia will be delicious with citrus, especially lime. Absolutely go for Gin and Tonic, Gimlet and even a Gin Margarita.
The Neptunia Fizz is the suggested recipe from the back of the bottle! Watch me make it in the video below.
Final Thoughts and Opinion about Hendrick’s Neptunia
Neptunia is an interesting gin that falls in line with other well-loved offerings from the maker. This one covers new territory, a wet one, and is an absolute must try for fans of Hendrick’s Gin.
Neptunia is fresh and crisp, just like the sea and it does actually tastes like a day at the beach. Whether you will taste that or not could be based on your travels or maybe just your imagination.
So it doesn’t matter what the gardener or mythologist thinks. You decide what Neptunia is.
To learn more about the styles of Gin, visit our Home Page and have a drink with us.
