James Burrough Ltd (Pernod-Ricard Group), Montford Place Distillery, Kennington, London, England, UK.

Beefeater Gin and Pernod Ricard.

Beefeater was first produced at the Chelsea Distillery (established 1820) in the late 1870’s by pharmacist and tea merchant James Burrough, it was originally known as Burrough’s Gin. The Burrough’s family sold the company to Whitbread in 1987; Whitbread sold the Beefeater brand to Allied Domeqq in 1991; and Allied Domeqq were purchased by Pernod Ricard in 2005.

This limited edition run was launched for Winter 2010.

Despite the changes in ownership across the last few decades, the same family-held recipe is used, with the same production techniques using maize and barley grain. Made by steeping the botanicals for 24 hours, before slowly redistilling inefficiently in copper pot stills, this labor-intensive method taking about 7 - 8 hours for each final distillation.

We are informed the Beefeater distillery is due to open its doors in 2013, with a visitor’s center for the general public.

London Dry Gin.

40% (80 Proof).

$$.

The classic Beefeater 9 Botanicals are used: angelica roots and seeds, coriander seeds, juniper berries, liquorice, orris root, Seville orange peel, Spanish almonds and Spanish lemon peel; plus the addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, pine shoots and additional Seville orange peel.

Please note: despite the name there are no animal based products in this; or used in the production there of; it is completely vegetarian and vegan friendly (as confirmed by Beefeater Gin themselves)!

It changed its name from Burrough’s Gin to Beefeater’s Gin, to associate itself with the Yeomanry Guard and Warders of the Tower of London, and thus emphasise its London roots. The yeomanry were created in 1485 from experienced military personnel, to guard prisoners and the crown jewels held in the tower. No one is sure where the nickname originated but one belief is they were permitted to eat the King’s beef (possibly as part payment for their services).

The Winter Edition part of the name details the usage, launch time and the limited production run.

On the nose was the usual Beefeater bouquet of juniper, citrus and spice – perhaps just a bit more spice than the classic? On the palate the orange citrus abounds and along with the juniper and coriander this shows woody notes and a lovely warm peppery finish.

This was a pleasing diversion to try out. In a Gin & Tonic it was similar to classic Beefeater but had a warmer finish and this was very similar in a Martini. We tried this in several hot toddy’s and Egg Nog with disappointing results – the Gin was overpowered with very little to say for itself. I suspect we should have tried many other mixed drinks but time was in short supply (as is often the way in the build up to Christmas time).

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