Review

The Times Gin

Master of Malt (ATOM Supplies Ltd.), Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, UK.

Master of Malt.

ATOM Supplies Ltd., trading as Master of Malt, is one of the UK’s leading online liquor retailers. Established in 1985 they originally concentrated on Whisky but this soon grew to encompass a full range of spirits. Since the 2010’s they have undertaken joint projects to produce individual spirits, supported primarily by Ben Ellefsen, their Sales Director. Under his guidance, the success of Master of Malt own offerings have expanded to include a range of “Origin” Gins and the “Professor Cornelius Ampleforth” range of spirits.

This Gin originated as a special commission order, requested from an organization (see Name below) and released at the end of 2013.

The Gin is made in two parts: the first with 9 botanicals in a copper pot still. The second, with more citrus botanicals, is made under reduced pressure vacuum distillation. Once produced these two distillate solutions are combined together, ready for bottling.

The Gin is presented in a clear cylindrical bottle with rounded shoulders. It has a large white label with black and gold text, each individually numbered, and with a black wax sealed top. The royal crest logo of The Times is found at the top of the label, with an image of a lion resting on juniper branches in the middle, both colored in gold.

London Dry Gin.

46.5% (93 Proof).

$$$$$ - $$$$$$. Not available in the USA and can only be ordered from The Sunday Times Wine Club in the UK, for delivery within the UK only. 

Uses 16 botanicals including: angelica, cassia bark, cinnamon, clementine, coriander, grapefruit (pink & white), juniper berries, lemon peel (dried & fresh), lime peel (fresh), liquorice root, orange peel (dried & fresh), orris root and pomelo.

This is a commissioned Gin for a famous UK national newspaper called The Times, hence the name of the Gin. The Gin is produced by Master of Malt who also operate The Times Whisky Club, part of The Sunday Times Wine Club.

We have yet to try this Gin but one thing is clear from the botanicals used – this is a highly citrus forward Gin. A review of this Gin by Simon Difford, of Difford’s Guide fame, suggests there is more bitterness in the citrus. Have you tried this? What do you think? Let us know your views. 

Unknown.