Tasting Notes
Gordon’s London Dry Gin offers an unmistakable profile with a strong juniper presence that forms the spirit’s aromatic foundation. On the nose, it greets the senses with vibrant citrus notes, intermingled with hints of spice and earthy botanicals. Subtle indications of angelica root and a gentle herbaceous quality complement the distinctive juniper, resulting in a multifaceted bouquet that is both inviting and refreshing.
Upon tasting, the spirit embodies a crisp and clean mouthfeel. The juniper makes a confident return, supported by a bright burst of citrus that rounds out the palate. Flavors of coriander enhance the mid-palate, followed by a soft backdrop of light floral notes and a warm, spicy finish. The remarkable balance of flavors exudes a sense of craftsmanship that speaks to Gordon’s time-honored production methods. The spirit showcases a relatively dry finish, making it incredibly refreshing and easy to enjoy straight or on its own merit, showcasing the mastery behind its creation.
History
The origin of Gordon’s London Dry Gin dates back to 1769 when Alexander Gordon, a Londoner of Scottish descent, established his distillery in the Southwark area of London. Inspired by a conviction to create the highest quality gin, Alexander meticulously crafted his recipe utilizing the best botanicals, a tradition that has been upheld for over two centuries. As a pioneer in the London dry gin category, Gordon’s gradually earned its reputation due to its exceptional blend of flavors, notably highlighted by the prominent juniper. By the late 19th century, it had solidified its status as the leading gin in the UK, becoming the drink of choice for many.
Gordon’s continued to thrive and adapt to the changing alcoholic beverage landscape throughout the 20th century, achieving remarkable sales milestones. The brand’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards and its heritage of excellence has allowed it to stand the test of time. Presently, Gordon’s is produced by Diageo, a leading multinational alcoholic beverage company, ensuring the spirit remains at the forefront of the gin market while staying true to its traditional roots. The logo of the boar symbolizes the brand’s history and attributes, harking back to the family legacy of Alexander Gordon.
Fabrication Process
Gordon’s London Dry Gin undergoes a precise and careful production process to ensure quality and consistency. The crafting begins with the selection of high-quality raw ingredients, which prominently features the hallmark of all gins: juniper berries. These berries are meticulously sourced from the best regions known for their excellence. Alongside juniper, a range of botanicals such as coriander, angelica root, and various citrus peels are chosen to complement the primary flavor and add complexity to the spirit.
The distillation process is key to Gordon’s signature profile. The entire process starts with the maceration of the botanicals, allowing their essential oils and flavors to infuse into the neutral grain spirit. Following maceration, the mixture is subjected to a triple-distillation process in traditional pot stills, elevating the purity and enhancing the flavor extraction. The attention to detail during distillation ensures that each botanical’s qualities are preserved and perfected. The distillate is then carefully blended to achieve the ideal balance before it is brought to bottle strength, maintaining a consistent alcohol volume of 40% ABV.
Lastly, the final product is passed through quality control to ensure it meets the high standards expected of Gordon’s London Dry Gin. The spirit is then bottled, ready to carry forth the legacy of craftsmanship and quality that Alexander Gordon envisioned over 250 years ago.