Review

Berkeley Square Gin

G & J Greenall International (Qunitessential Brands), Risley, Warrington, England, UK. Joanne Moore (nee Simcock) is the Master Distiller and the person behind this Gin's creation.

Greenall - Berkeley Square and Quintessential Brands.

Established back in 1761, Greenall’s are the oldest continuously producing London Dry Gin distillery in the world. Thomas Dakin built the distillery initially, Edward Greenall started using it and in 1870 it was purchased completely (The G&J comes from Edward’s younger brothers – Gilbert & John). The previous chairman, Lord Daresbury, was a direct descendent of Edward Greenall. The family motto “Alto Peto” translates as "I Strive Higher". This once cottage based industry is now the second largest gin distillery in Britain, producing over 50% of the UK’s Gin and almost 15% of the world’s Gin. In 2011 the business was bought by Quintessential Brands.

This Gin was launched in 2008, and (although not restricted to) is targeted at male consumers, as it is designed to portray the style of an English gentleman. It’s use of botanicals represent common herbs found in many an English garden and this, to us, is clearly verified in it’s delivery to one’s palate and olfactory senses.

Triple distilled in copper pot No. 8 from grain. The botanicals, wrapped in muslin, are steeped in the base spirit in two stages – an initial group for 2 days and another final group added on the second day. The water used is filtered through ancient Chester pebble beds. It’s simple presentation in a rectangular bottle (with glass ribbing on either side) and black label, emulates the smoothness of the liquid inside.

London Dry Gin.

40% (80 Proof).

$$$$ - $$$$$. Not available in the USA – Master of Malt in the UK can ship but look to add another 60 – 70% for this.

No less than 8, including: angelica, basil, coriander, cubebs, juniper berries, kaffir lime leaves, lavender and sage.

The Georgian styled Berkeley (pronounced “bark-lee”) Square, in London, is a renowned place of English sophistication. With the famous Annabel’s night club, its notable residents have included: Christine Keeler, Clive of India, Horace Walpole, Ian Fleming, Lord Berkeley himself, Lord Lucan and Noel Coward.

On the nose is earthy, woodland, herbal notes with citrus (lime). On the palate is juniper and citrus (lime) with a relatively intense basil overtone and peppery finish. This is a mild and delicate Gin and one has to be careful not to lose the flavor when mixing to create other drinks. However, this is a good Gin to sip on it’s own, to fully enjoy the wonderfully unique herbal (predominately basil) notes, why not garnish with a sprig of fresh basil to parade it’s botanical roots!

Master Medal, Gin Masters, 2015.

Master Medal, Gin Masters, 2013.

Silver Medal, International Spirits Challenge, 2013.

Silver Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2013.

Silver Medal, International Spirits Challenge, 2012.

Silver Medal, The Spirit Masters, 2011.

Silver Medal, International Spirits Challenge, 2009.