Hawthorn’s

Hawthorn’s – 37.5%ABV

Botanicals: juniper, orange peel, lemon peel, orris, liquorice, angelica, coriander, cinnamon bark, cassia, nutmeg

Hawthorn’s is made to a recipe passed down from the owner’s grandfather, a commander in the British Navy during the war. His boast was that he was sunk three times but never got his feet wet. His stories were regaled while sipping the gin he had distilled himself and taken aboard to boost morale. I love this, real provenance!

On the nose the gin is relatively subtle with juniper, spice and flora evident.

Neat, the juniper is not overpowering, with citrus and coriander giving way to pepper and spice notes. Bright and enticing.

Hawthorn’s London Dry Gin is a bright and zesty gin with up front spice and pepper which clears out onto the palate with dry juniper and a gentle, nutmeg-like sweetness. A simple and elegant gin.

Mixed with Fever Tree and garnished with a wedge of lime and a few juniper berries it is evident that nothing is overpowering; the juniper slips in, as does the citrus and spices. This is a very nice, balanced mix, equally at home in a G&T or cocktail. 

I try to taste my gin without knowing the price, and am usually in the ball park when I guess. Not this time, a serious bargain, and one that deserves a wider audience; at an RRP of £20 for 70CL this is a steal. An export strength is available which I am keenly tracking down…