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

Bulldog Gin

With a name as quintessentially British as this, you'd be forgiven for thinking it's origins followed suit, however, Bulldog Gin is the brainchild of American based investment banker, Anshuman Vohra.

Quadruple distilled, and bottled in England, Bulldog is a relative newcomer in the UK gin marketplace, having only been available via local retailers since 2015, despite its New York launch back in 2007. 

Using 12 botanicals from 8 countries, Bulldog claims to be a 'modern alternative to some of the more traditional, juniper heavy brands on the marketplace', and pulls no punches in their marketing, creating a (fairly well deserved) 'arrogance' to the product. Botanicals such as natural poppy, lavender, dragon eye, lotus leaves and citrus, combine to create a complex, somewhat 'quirky' and yet surprisingly well-balanced flavour profile which is exceptionally enjoyable in a classic G&T, and ideally suited to a vast array of cocktails alike. 

On the nose, Bulldog gives citrus, floral and juniper notes, whilst the palate, despite the plethora of Asian botanicals, blends beautifully for a well rounded, 'traditional' taste with a difference. Overall this gin is an absolute beauty which I have now purchased personally (a ringing endorsement if ever there was) 

Bulldog themselves recommend a garnish of lemon to accompany its pairing with a premium Indian tonic... and I would hasten to agree, however, for a warmer alternative I highly recommend a cinnamon stick and a star anise to accompany the classic tonic....bringing the spicier flavours to the forefront and offering up a delicious warmth.

In partnership The Paddocks Bar, Blandford Forum

Newton House Gin

Being the Instagram addict that I am, I am usually very swiftly aware of new and upcoming gins. Newton House was no exception and piqued my interest as soon as I saw them appear, not yet a year ago. Having then looked into their botanicals and taste notes, they were promptly added to my 'must try' list and remained there until about a month back when, having heard of their win at the World Gin Awards, I decided it was definitely not only time to sample, but stock this London Dry at The Paddocks Bar, for whom I source, stock and review their swiftly expanding Gin selection.

I met with their distiller, Tristan, here at The Paddocks and chatted over the development and story behind this fairly local gin. Located just down the road in Yeovil, Newton House is resident of its namesake property in beautiful Newton Somerville. Distilled in small batches, it is a London dry with a delightful selection of botanicals inspired by the gardens of Newton House itself, including orange peel, mint, peaches and blueberries to name but a few. A delightful citrus burst to taste with mint and floral flavours to accompany, and a warming, peppery finish... this gin is beautiful served with a high quality Indian Tonic, a good wedge of lime and three bruised mint leaves. I have to say, this gin has shot straight into my current favourites list and looks set to stay! Crisp, clean and ridiculously drinkable....give this one a try immediately!

In partnership with The Paddocks Bar, Blandford Forum.

The London No.1

Following on from my previous post, I am again working in collaboration with The Paddocks Bar, Blandford. Next up is the original blue gin... The London No.1

Distilled in small batches in the heart of London, this striking, blue-tinged spirit boasts twelve botanicals from around the world, resulting in an exceptionally well balanced Gin. 

Recognisable by its turquoise hue, The London No.1 derives its distinctive tint from the inclusion of Gardenia flowers, a favourite plant of Queen Victoria.  

Owing to the colouration of this gin, I thoroughly dismissed it as a 'gimicky' product, the majority of which have disappointed me substantially. However, having given The London No.1 a fair shot, I have to say I have well and truly eaten my words and I concede that it is, perhaps, deserving of its bold, somewhat egotistical, naming. 

On the nose, this gin throws a hefty helping of juniper with pine and spice additions. To taste, juniper and citrus lead with pine and a gentle sweetness. The high ABV (47%) means there is a slight burn, but it's no so much as to be offensive - over ice, this is somewhat dulled and allows the lighter flavours to come through. If serving as a G&T I recommend a premium Indian tonic such as Fevertree, a twist of lemon and juniper berries. 

Overall, this is a fun and colourful gin which will not only be a visual talking point, but great in a simple G&T or cocktail alike. 

In partnership with The Paddocks Bar, Blandford Forum.