Review

Bloom Strawberry
Cup Gin

G & J Greenall International (Quintessential Brands), Risley, Warrington, England, UK.

Bloom Gin, G & J Greenall 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.

The original Bloom Gin was created by Master Distiller Joanne Moore (nee Simcock) in 2010 and clearly targeted at a female demographic. This strawberry version was launched in the summer of 2014.

Made from English wheat it is triple distilled with infused botanicals and demineralized spring water to create Bloom Gin. The Gin is then infused with strawberries for an undisclosed period of time, to create Bloom Strawberry Cup Gin.

This ruby red colored Gin is presented in a tall clear rectangular bottle with vine-like motifs on the glass, just like the original but in a slightly smaller size.

Flavored Gin - Strawberry.

28% (56 Proof).

$$$$ - $$$$$. Not available in the USA and is planned to be a yearly summer season release from G&J Greenall within the UK. Try online at Master of Malt in the UK, who distribute worldwide but be prepared to add around 40% for shipping costs.

Uses 8 Botanicals: angelica, chamomile, coriander, cubeb berries, honeysuckle, juniper berries; pomelo (member of the grapefruit family) and strawberries.

The original Bloom Gin was inspired by the gardens and wildflower fields of England, with a view to replicating the feeling of spring at any time of year, hence the name Bloom. The Strawberry Cup refers to the addition of the key flavored botanical and it’s usage for dilution and adding of fruit to make a punch.

The combination of a soft floral Gin and strawberries seems an odd choice but when used as a punch it makes sense as an exciting alternative to other Summer Fruit Cups. Simply add clear lemonade, ginger ale or sparkling wine in a ratio of anything from 2 - 4:1 and lots fruit e.g. red berries but citrus fruits also. Alternatively, to match the soft floral profile of the Gin, why not try rose petals and melon. It seems like an ideal match for a summer afternoon and a cream tea.

Unfortunately we have yet to try this unique offering from Bloom but we hear it has a heavy aroma of strawberry on the nose. On the palate is strawberry and citrus with some peppery spice. We understand it is quite tart when taken neat and is definitely intended for long drinks using sweeter mixers (e.g. lemonade). Some find the strength a little too light with regard to juniper and for this reason suggest adding some original Bloom Gin, in a 50/50 mix (or according to taste). It may not have the complexity of other summer fruit cups and this maybe disappointing to some, however if strawberry is the flavor you require then this is the one to do it! We can’t wait to try this out for ourselves.

Unknown.