Located in east London, in the old glue factory in Bow Wharf the ELLC's distillery can be visited and that's where the products are actually being produced / distilled. A set of Holstein copper stills is where the magic takes place. If you get a chance go and check them out.
Founder Alex and his team are not just distilling but there is a restaurant and a great bottle shop as well, where you can choose from a wide variety of spirits, not just their own. Their website gives you a few impressions. The aim is to really bringing the craft and industry of spirit creation back into London's East end and making it part of the city again.
Botanicals
Both vapour and direct infusion of the botanicals is being used in this London Dry Gin.
lemon peel
grapefruit peel
coriander seeds
juniper
cubeb berries
cardamom
angelica root
Tasting
So what does this (literally) London Gin taste like?
Nose
Classic gin is my first impression: Fresh juniper, citrus and a warm touch of spice. Very pleasant.
Palate
Again My first thought is great classic: smooth, juniper builds up quickly, a fresh start is followed by a deeper wooden sensation and earthy spice. Nothing dominates, it all just transforms smoothly from one taste to the next. Very balanced and no unwanted surprises. The 40 % ABV are not overwhelmingly strong and no sting or biting can be felt.
Aftertaste
A very warm and nice aftertaste, sweet, and all juniper, cardamom and angelica root.
On ice
The juniper and citrus play a little dance and a warm spice sits in the back of your mouth tingling and warming in contrast to the cool spirit.
Perfect serve
There are a few things to be tested with this gin like for instance trying it with different tonics. The first trial run with a Thomas Henry tonic is a good starting point. we will try this with more tonics but this gin is probably working with oh so many tonics.
Summary and GinGinGin rating
You get the idea, I like this one. London gin which has a nice taste profile, classic and well-balanced. If you are in the market for something else than your regular classic gin but without the fear of buying something that is too far away from a solid gin this is your choice. Well done.
The GinGinGin transparency declaration: This gin was a free sample by the producer in order for us to review the bottle. There are and were no obligations nor any edits of this content by the producers. Products tasted and reviewed by GinGinGin are all equally treated, paid for or free samples. If we like gins we buy them afterwards as well. If we do not like them you will read about it as well. When people ask if we would like to review a bottle, it is the first thing we mention to them that this does not guarantee a positive review. Get in touch to know more about reviews of gins.
