London Dry Gin (Berry Bros and Rudd)

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 40.6% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

This London Dry Gin revives a historic Berry Bros. & Rudd recipe. A small sample from a surviving bottle dating from the 1950s served as the basis for its reconstruction. The recipe contains four botanicals: juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root and winter savory. This compact selection of classic aromatic plants underpins its distinctly juniper-led character.

The historic gin appeared on the firm's price list as early as 1909 and was known as Berrys’ Best. David Embury also mentioned it in his 1948 cocktail book The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks. The reconstructed version was launched in February 2018. It is distilled in London and bottled at 40.6% alcohol.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose reveals juniper with pine-like notes and peppery spice. Angelica adds a subtle nutty nuance. Hints of violet creams and a gentle chalky note complete the impression.
• Palate: The gin is clean and decidedly dry on the palate. Juniper takes the lead, accompanied by pronounced peppery spice. It also has a soft, floral character.
• Finish: The long, spicy finish leaves a lingering impression of coriander.

Distillery/Bottler:

Berry Bros. & Rudd traces its origins to a grocery shop founded in 1698 by the widow Bourne opposite St James’s Palace in London. The family supplied the neighbourhood's coffee houses, a connection still recalled by the coffee mill sign outside the shop. Under George Berry, the wine trade became increasingly important in the early 19th century. The family-run wine and spirits merchant remains based on St James’s Street.

For this gin, Berry Bros. & Rudd works with Thames Distillers Ltd, who produce it in London. Berry Bros. & Rudd is responsible for the brand and the revival of the historic recipe. The aim of the reconstruction was to recreate the flavour of the surviving old bottle using a recipe with four botanicals.

Facts: