Cruxland Gin

Instantly visually intriguing with its stumpy bottle shape and embossed leather details over the screw cap, Cruxland Gin immediately piqued my interest. This was not a gin I was familiar with, but boasting a Kalahari truffle infusion and a South African heritage, I was certainly curious, and keen to give it a try.

Distilled in small batches in Paarl, South Africa, Cruxland compiles 9 botanicals including rooibos, honeybush, and those Kalahari truffles, to make up its complex flavour palette which was created to reflect its South African origins.
On the nose, the gin certainly delivers, and offers up a striking aroma... coriander, juniper, and a beautiful sweetness from that honeybush. To taste, Cruxland packs a hefty aniseed punch and a hearty spice finish. Paired with tonic, I'd have to say Cruxland starts to drift away from the distinctive 'gin' flavour I personally favour, but is undoubtedly a change of pace from the inherently 'British' classic gins, saturating the spirits market (no complaints from me, but for those seeking something a little different...), and certainly worth trying.
Pair with a premium Indian tonic, a slice of lemon and a few juniper berries to inject a little of the classic tastes back into this spirit whilst complimenting its existing botanicals.  

In partnership with The Paddocks Bar, Blandford Forum

Whitley Neill Quince Gin & The London Essence Co Tonic Water

Those of you who read my blog/Insta feed, will know that every month, I am sent sample gins and tonics from ilovegin.com (head over to their website to find out more about this awesome company and how you too can have gin delivered to your door - because, who wouldn't want that?!). This months delivery included Elephant Gin, Whitley Neill's Quince Gin and two mixers from The London Essence Co. First up, i'm pairing TLEC Classic London Tonic Water, with a flavour from Whitley Neill which I actually have neither tried, nor indeed heard of! 

I'll be completely honest, I had to google what a quince actually was...(its a fruit similar in appearance to the common pear, and the rumoured 'forbidden fruit' from the garden of Eden...apparently)! 

Whitley Neill have featured on my blog previously as i'm already a huge fan of their original gin (check out my review here). I have also tried their Rhubarb & Ginger, and Raspberry Gins (neither of which appear on this blog, but do so on my Instagram) So I was open to this exciting new flavour in their line, however, I was also cautious as I am not a fan of sweet, sickly gins at all (Gordons Pink, I'm looking at you!) 

On the nose, my fears were readily confirmed as I got a waft of sweet fruit immediately - apples and pears are prominent. On the palate the fruit flavours are again dominant, as expected, sweet peaches and pear flavours lead, with a mild citrus undertone. 

Pouring this gin, the main thing I noticed was the thick. viscous, almost syrupy quality to it, this translates in the mouthfeel of the gin. I poured over ice and paired with a classic London Tonic Water and garnished (upon recommendation from ilovegin.com) with a sprig of mint. I do have to say that for the lovers of sweeter gins, this one may best served simply on the rocks and sipped. 

Mixed with tonic, I was pleasantly surprised at how drinkable it became for my own personal tastes. This is not to say that it required diluting, as I said, it may actually be best as a sipping gin should your tastes be for the sweeter beverages....but for someone like me, tonic is the way forward. The London Essence company have a beautiful range of premium mixers and sodas, distilled with fine fruits and botanicals. I have two to try from their range but in this instance, went for their Classic London Tonic Water (which, on its own is a stunning tonic...classic, yet with a twist) which paired beautifully with the flavours in the gin. Ilovegin.com had recommended either a slice of cucumber or a sprig of mint, I went with the latter (mainly because that's what I had to hand without making a quick trip to Tesco) but also because I felt the mint would cut through the sweetness of the quince. 

Overall the resulting beverage was surprisingly refreshing, if somewhat on the sweet side. 

In partnership with www.ilovegin.com