Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/455266
106 / the tasting panel / january/february 2015 Blue Blooded: London No. 1 Gin There are two things about London No. 1 Gin that will immediately grab your attention. The first is the news that the gin is owned by 180-year-old González Byass, the famed family winery, makers of Sherries and brandies in Jerez, Spain. Few brands can claim such a lofty pedigree. The second point of distinction is the gin has an intriguing blue hue. During develop- ment, it was discovered that adding gardenia flowers to the botanical mix imbued the gin with a turquoise hue and added the aroma of jasmine. Gardenia extract blend, with a hint of blue alkaline, is added after distillation and then stabilized before bottling. Launched in 2005, London No. 1 is produced in London under the direction of eighth- generation Master Distiller Charles Maxwell. The gin is quadruple-distilled in a copper pot still with a botanical mix that includes juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, lemon peel, licorice, cinnamon, almond, savory, iris root, orange peel and bergamot. It is bottled at the traditional strength of 47% alcohol (94 proof). "Spain has been a key player in the Gin & Tonic renaissance, and London No. 1 has played a major role in this movement," says Andy Taylor, Director of Marketing for importer Vin Divino. "It's a modern, full-bodied gin graced with the aromas of Earl Grey tea, balsamic herbs, spices, juniper and truffle. The mouthfeel is soft and elegant and its citrus components marry with the fresh, luscious flavors of Italian orange and lemon peels. Factor in its long and refreshing finish and you've got a gin perfect for any classic mixed drink or gin-based cocktail." VIN DIVINO Every great gin must possess a singularly appealing quality that makes it stand out from the crowd. Especially when it comes to gin, individuality is a must. Uncle Val's Peppered Gin is all that and more. The artisanal brand is handcrafted by 35 Maple Street Spirits on a foundation of neutral grain spirits. Here's where things get interesting. After the neutral spirits exit the copper pot still, it is filtered to essential purity and then infused with the gin's four botanicals, a short list that includes juniper berries, roasted red bell peppers, black peppercorns and pimentos, which are also referred to as cherry peppers. The gin is bottled at 45% alcohol (90 proof). Guaranteed there is nothing remotely like Uncle Val's Peppered Gin on your backbar. The crystal clear spirit has a medium-weight, lushly textured body and the wafting aromas of black pepper, charred red peppers and a hint of the underlying juniper. Its spicy aromas are compelling and prepare the palate for the flavor explosion to follow. The entry immediately fills the mouth with peppery warmth and the pronounced flavors of savory bell peppers, cracked peppercorns and crisp juniper with delightful wisps char smoke. "Our Uncle Val's Peppered Gin almost finds itself in a category all its own," says August Sebastiani, President of 35 Maple Street Spirits. "The spice of the black pepper, roasted red pepper and pimento has inspired a whole new odyssey for mixologists—both professional and amateur—of innovative cocktails and flavors." The popular range also includes the original Uncle Val's Botanical Gin and the more savory Uncle Val's Restorative Gin. 35 MAPLE STREET SPIRITS Pepper and Spice and Everying Nice: Uncle Val's Peppered Gin