Review

Hayman's Gin

Christopher Hayman of Hayman Distillers Ltd. (and Thames Distillery), London, England, UK - although the production and storage is in Witham, Essex.

Hayman Distillers.

Haymans have been distilling Gin in London for 150 years and started with James Burroughs (of Beefeater Gin fame) as James Burroughs Ltd. The company was sold in 1987 to Whitbread, although part of the business was retained and renamed Hayman’s. Today Christopher Hayman is supported by his son (James) and daughter (Miranda), the great-great-grandchildren of James Burroughs. This is the longest serving family owned gin distiller in England today.

The Gin is handcrafted from triple distilled 100% grain spirit. The botanicals are left to steep for 24 hours before being gently redistilled for a fourth time in a copper pot still.

London Dry Gin.

40% (80 Proof).

$$. Not available in the USA but try Master of Malt or the Whisky Exchange in the UK, but be prepared to pay around double the price to cover shipping.

10 botanicals are used, including: angelica root, cinnamon, coriander, juniper berries, lemon peel, liquorice, nutmeg, orange peel and orris root.

Named after founder, Christopher Hayman.

On the nose are citrus, juniper and some faint spice notes. On the palate is a smooth honey citrus taste, which quickly gives way to a juniper, pepper, herbal and spice finish.

This is a classic tasting Gin and is ideal for classic Gin drinks e.g. Gin & Tonic, Martini etc. Indeed, Christopher Hayman created it to be a classic London Dry Gin and it matches this precisely - we tip our hats to him. A worthy addition to any bar: for a simple, straightforward and unadulterated Gin.

93 Points, Beverage Testing Institute.

Gold Medal, International Spirits Review, 2009.