Review

Bayswater Gin

Casalbor family business in Spain but made by Timbermill Distillery, Thames Distillers Ltd., Clapham, London, England, UK.

Bayswater and Casalbor.

Casalbor is a family owned business based in Spain. They were founded in 2010 and are winemakers but also distribute wine and spirits to the on-trade (hotels, restaurants and bars) primarily within Spain.

Thames Distillers is run by Charles Maxwell who is the 8th generation of the family (founders of the Finsbury Distillery) who have been producing Gin since 1700 – making them the oldest unbroken lineage in Gin distillation.

This Gin was launched in 2010.

Small batch distilled 5 times from neutral wheat grain spirit in stainless steel pot stills by John Dore.

Presented in a clear square bottle (made in France) with a big BW in black lettering and white “Bayswater” lettering underneath. On the back it depicts the construction of the underground tube (metro) station at Bayswater in the 1920’s, which is to be viewed through the front of the bottle.

London Dry Gin.

43% (86 Proof).

$$$ - $$$$. Not available in the USA. This is produced primarily for the Spanish market, but try Uvinum in the UK, but prepare to pay 120% more for shipping. 

9 botanicals are used: angelica root (Poland), cassia bark (Indo-China), coriander seed (Romania), juniper berries (Macedonia), lemon Peel (Spain), liquorice root (Egypt), nutmeg (Indonesia), orange Peel (Spain) and orris (Morocco).

Named after the Bayswater district in London, UK.

On the nose is pine (juniper), citrus (orange) and light spice (cassia). The palate is soft and slightly sweet; the juniper and citrus come to the fore with an earthy peppery spice in the background plus a hint of nutmeg. The close has a little juniper and the citrus displays more lemon with a strong spicy kick in the finish. A bright, classic tasting and nicely balanced Gin.

This is a traditional and relatively simple London Dry Gin, albeit with a light softness to it. It mixes well in a Gin & Tonic, the spice of the Gin working well with the tonic (especially if using Fentimans). In a Martini, if you like it light with more citrus then this is for you. Traditionalists who like more of a “kick” should go for a drier version Martini and you’ll find it crisp and refreshing. Other Gin based mixed cocktails should be chosen with a little thought but a Tom Collins is a particular favorite of ours with this Gin.

We would certainly like to see this increase in availability to the off-trade so that more people can buy and enjoy this Gin at home. We understand Casalbor is looking to do this for the UK...we would like to remind them not to forget about the USA.

Silver Medal, International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2012.