Review

London Hill Gin

Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd., Broxburn, West Lothian, Scotland, UK.

Ian Macleod Distillery.

Leonard J Russell established a business in 1933 and in 1963 the Russell family acquired the Ian Macloed distillery. Today it is in its third generation of family leadership and is best known for their whiskies, which include Glengoyne Highland single malt.

The London Hill Gin brand was obtained by Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd. in 1990.

It is double distilled in copper pot stills, and all natural botanicals are macerated and steeped in 100% grain spirit before final distillation. It was repackaged (bottle and labeling) in 2008 and again in 2012 to a very simple, clear and classic design – matching the contents within.

London Dry Gin.

40% (80 Proof) and also in 1 liter bottles at 43% (86 proof).

$$ - $$$. Not available in USA but can by shipped by Master of Malt in the UK but expect to at least double the price to cover shipping.

Over 12 botanicals are used and include: angelica root, cassia bark, coriander seeds, ginger, grains of paradise, juniper berries, lemon peel, liquorice root, nutmeg, orange peel and orris root.

Unknown.

On the nose is juniper and citrus fruit. This is replicated up front on the palate with herbal notes, a light sweetness and finishes with peppery spice. It is a smooth and relatively mild, making it a good Gin for new comers to the spirit - like Iceberg Gin, this is a good, next-step progression from Bafferts or Vedrich.

Nice in a Gin & Tonic, this has scope for various mixed drinks – although nothing too potent which might over power the subtle nuisances of the other botanicals.

Silver Medal, International Spirits Challenge, 2013.

Bronze Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2011.

Bronze Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2009.

Gold Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2003.

Gold Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2001.

Gold Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2000.