Review

Berry Bros. & Rudd
No. 3 Gin

De Kuyper Royal Distillers, Schiedam, Holland, for Berry Bros. & Rudd, No. 3 St. James’s Street, London, England, UK. Imported to the USA by Preiss Imports part of Anchor Distilling.

De Kuyper, Berry Bros. & Rudd and No. 3 Gin.

De Kuyper Royal Distillers was founded in 1695 by Petrus de Kuyper. In 1752 Jan, one of his sons took over a distillery in Schiedam. In 1769 Jan’s sons, Johannes & Pieter bought a distillery in Rotterdam. Gin and others spirits were the center of production for these distilleries and the company continued to go from strength to strength. In the 1920’s De Kuyper started producing liqueurs and by the 1960’s liqueurs had gained general prominence in the market place.

After over 300 years they are still family run and owned, being granted the title “Royal” on their anniversary. Whilst still a strong producer of general spirits (including Gin) and despite this great heritage, they are perhaps best known today for their overwhelming range of liqueurs.

Berry Bothers was established in 1698, at the same address as today, originally as a tea, coffee and spice shop. Created by the Bourne widow, her family married into the Pickering family and then the Berry family in the mid 1700’s, with the Rudd family joining the business in the early 1900’s. The Berry and Rudd families have, for over 300 years, continued to run this renowned Wine & Spirit Merchant business making it the oldest in the UK.

Today they have facilities in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, UK and in Hong Kong. They have won countless prestigious awards as a Wine and Spirit Retailer and operate several Wine Schools. Simon Berry, the 8th generation of the family, has been Chairman since 2005 and is also Clerk of the Royal Cellars.

This Gin was originally launched in 2010, after a year of research by a world authoritarian (the only person with a PhD in Gin Flavor), David Clutton, who still oversees the production of the Gin. It seems the launch has been in phased stages, with the UK fully in 2011 and USA in 2012.

The botanicals are steeped overnight in a grain-based spirit with demineralised water, before being distilled in traditional copper pot stills.

Presented in a olive green colored square bottle with a slight tapering, running from the bottom to the broader top, it is inspired by the “Pontil” bottles from the 1800’s used to ship spirits from Holland. It has clear lettering with a bold No. 3 and an old-style key is embedded on the front, representing the “key to The Parlour”, the oldest room in the shop at St. James’s.

London Dry Gin.

46% (92 Proof).

$$$$. Available in the USA, try online at: Laurenti Wines, Toast Wines or K&L Wines.

Uses 6 botanicals: angelica root, cardamom, coriander, grapefruit peel, juniper berries and orange peel.

Named after the family business name and their address (No. 3). Interestingly, the 6 botanicals used consist of 3 fruits and 3 spices.

On the nose are pine juniper (with a hint of lavender) and citrus (lemon and orange) plus some spice. On the palate the juniper is dominant without the bitterness found in so many other Gins where this flavor is pronounced. The citrus follows very closely with lemon, slightly sweet orange and tart grapefruit, all well balanced. There is spice and a hint of anise (from the cardamom) here too plus some floral hints hidden in the background. The close is very long, dry and warm with peppery spice notes whilst maintaining the juniper and citrus flavors. Do not be put off by the 46% ABV, this is a smooth drink and do not be put off by the strong description of the tastes, there is a soft friendliness for both the Gin lover and novice alike.

Beautifully simple, this is a very versatile and a wonderful example of a London Dry Gin. It makes an astounding Gin & Tonic, fresh and invigorating, although (and unusually so) not as nice as when taken neat! The Gin was created to be the definitive word for a Martini, and it does not disappoint. A Dry Martini is excellent and some even suggest serving the traditional olive garnish on the side, or preferably use a twist of lemon. However we like the olives served with the drink, and whilst some may bulk at this, we like it in a Dirty Martini too. Not something we often comment on (as we do not generally agree with this practice) but many find keeping this Gin in the freezer makes a better Martini. As to other Gin based mixed drinks, take your pick, we like this in an Aviation, Gimlet, Martinez, Negroni and Tom Collins.

This has won a wealth of awards in a short time and is clearly destined to be a classic. One could say this is the Gin to which all other London Dry Gins should be measured against. Given the wealth of heritage from both De Kuyper and Berry Bros. & Rudd, mixed with the ability of David Clutton, there was only going to be excellence as a net result. This is very highly recommended, it is a podium place Gin and all other distillers need to look to their laurels!

94 Points, Beverage Testing Institute.

92 Points, Wine Enthusiast.

Master Medal, Gin Masters, 2013.

Gold Medal, International Spirits Challenge, 2013.

Silver Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2012.

Silver Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2012.

Trophy and Gold Medal, International Spirits Challenge, 2012.

Silver Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2011.

Silver Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2011.

Gold Medal, Gin Masters, 2010.

Silver Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2010.

Holds royal warrants from HM the Queen and HRH the Prince of Wales.