Review

Haswell Gin

Rainbow Chaser Ltd., Biggin Hill, Kent (made in London by an undisclosed distiller), England, UK.

Haswell Gin.

Julian Haswell was previously Managing Director of Old Saint Andrews Ltd (a renowned Whisky company) from 2002 to 2007. In 2007 he set up his own company, Rainbow Chaser Ltd. and launched his own Gin, Haswells in June 2011.

It is distilled 5 times in small copper pot stills.

The Gin is presented in a frosted tear shaped bottle (with a flat bottom).

London Dry Gin.

47% (94 Proof).

$$$ - $$$$. Not available in the USA but try Uvinum but add another $60 for shipping.

9 botanicals are used including: angelica root, coriander seeds, grains of paradise, juniper berries, lemon peel, liquorice root, orange peel (bitter and sweet) and savory

Named after its creator, Julian Haswell.

On the nose is a perfumed citrus with very faint peppery notes. On the palate this slightly sweet smooth spirit has strong citrus flavors (mainly orange) with juniper and spice plus faint earthy (angelica). In the close the citrus continues but with a dry silky bittersweet finish. A nicely balanced Gin.

This is a simple Gin with strong citrus but do not let this fool you, it has a elegant nature with faint underlying nuances. In a Gin & Tonic and a Martini the citrus shines through. For traditional London Dry Gin lovers this will be disappointing however the citrus is pleasing to many new people to Gin. This is also very popular in Spain and thus it is of little surprise to find it is found almost exclusively in this market. This is a shame because this smooth strongly citrus Gin deserves a bigger audience.

Gin Master, Gin Masters, 2011.