Review

South Bank Gin

Burlington Drinks (part of Hayman Distillers Ltd.), Witham, Essex (the Gin is made by Thames Distillers Ltd. – part owned by Hayman Distillers – Clapham, London) England, UK.

Burlington Drinks and 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. They own Burlington Drinks, primarily a bottling plant, based in Witham, East Anglia, England, UK.

Thames Distillers is run by Charles Maxwell who is the 8th generation of the family (founders of the Finsbury Distillery) who have been producing Gin since 1700 – making them the oldest unbroken lineage in Gin distillation.

Distilled in a traditional manner from a secret recipe.

The Gin is presented in a traditional old style whisky bottle – clear, cylindrical and with a bulbous neck. The white label has a dark green border and top with a picture of the clock tower “Big Ben” found at the Houses of Parliament in London (and was formerly called “Parliament” Gin).

London Dry Gin.

37.5% (75 Proof).

$$$. Not available in the USA but try online from Master of Malt in the UK but prepare to pay an additional 40% for shipping.

Unknown but includes angelica, coriander, juniper berries and other undisclosed herbs and spices.

Named after the South Bank of the River Thames, which flows through London the capital city of England, UK. This was previously known as Parliament Gin.

On the nose is pine (juniper) and peppery spice (coriander) with some floral & herbal hints. On the palate this relatively smooth spirit has juniper with citrus (lemon) and peppery spice (coriander & possibly cardamom). On the close are juniper and peppery spice in the short dry finish. This is a basic no nonsense Gin.

Billed as a value Gin, this certainly meets that profile but not in a harsh or poorly construed manner. Whilst it can be drunk neat or in a Martini, this is not the best choice for this and should only be used this way if there is no other option. This Gin is best used with mixers making a suitable Gin and Tonic, Tom Collins etc. – just steer away from mixed drinks where the Gin is the dominant flavor.

This is a straightforward London Dry Gin at a good price and is perfect as a bartenders well Gin – certainly smoother and more flavorsome than most other Gins in this category. Simply put, this is a quality value Gin.

Unknown.