As you sip a gin and tonic, you’re indulging in a symphony of fragrant botanicals that elevate this spirit above all other alcoholic beverages. Distillers meticulously craft their creations by selecting unique botanical ingredients, with juniper berries traditionally taking centre-stage. However, it’s the additional fragrant notes that often steal the spotlight…
Recently, a fragrant trend has emerged in the distilling world, one that has perfumers everywhere raising their glasses in delight. Flower-powered gins are blossoming, particularly in the summer months, bringing a floral flourish to this classic drink.
These gins infuse the essence of summer blooms, offering a refreshing twist that captures the imagination and taste buds alike.In the world of gin, as in fragrance, the choice of botanicals is paramount. It is this careful selection and blending that transforms a simple drink into a sensory experience, much like a well-crafted perfume. So, next time you enjoy a gin and tonic, take a moment to appreciate the artistry involved—a nod to the perfumers’ craft and a celebration of botanical beauty in every sip.
In the heartland of perfumery, Comte de Grasse is redefining the art of distillation by drawing inspiration from its aromatic roots. Nestled in what was once the historic home of fragrance house Roure, known for crafting raw materials since 1820, this innovative distillery is now a beacon of modern techniques. Comte de Grasse employs cutting-edge methods such as ultrasonic maceration, vacuum distillation, and CO2 supercritical extraction to create their signature gin, 44°N. This floral-infused gin is a testament to the seamless blend of perfumery and distillation, offering a sensory experience like no other.
Comte de Grasse 44°N Gin £75 fortnumandmason.com
CEO & Founder Bhagath Reddy proudly states, ‘Utilising practices from the perfume industry for producing our gin has resulted in a flavour like nothing else we’ve tasted.’ 44°N gin unfolds on the palate with bright citrus top notes, salty samphire, and sharp, woody juniper, leading to a floral heart of Grasse’s Rosa centifolia, jasmine, honeyed mimosa, and a base of spicy, peppered patchouli grounded with elegant, powdery orris. This bold fusion of flavours promises to play with your senses, much like a fine fragrance.
For those seeking other floral-inspired gins, consider these olfactory-rich options: [pictured left to right]
- Custom Spirit Co Flower Power Gin: A host of florals including lavender, rose petals, chamomile, and elderflower. £31.16 for 70cl at masterofmalt.com.
- Whitley Neill Parma Violet Gin: Infused with violet flowers for a vibrant, Italian taste. £24.99 for 70cl at distillersdirect.com
- BLOOM London Dry Gin: Crafted by Joanne Moore, featuring chamomile, honeysuckle, and pomelo. £25.99 for 70cl at spiritly.com.
- Dunnet Bay Rock Rose Gin: A blend of local botanicals and imported juniper. £36 for 70cl at dunnetbaydistillers.com.
- Mary-Le-Bone Orange & Geranium Gin: A fragrant mix inspired by historic pleasure gardens. £22.51 for 70cl at masterofmalt.com.
- City of London Distillery Rhubarb & Rose Gin: A small-batch gin with a floral and fruity profile. £30.90 for 70cl at thewhiskyworld.com.
- Silent Pool English Rose Gin: Infused with English roses, perfect for summer. £25.50 for 50cl at thespiritbottle.com.
- Edinburgh Orange Blossom & Mandarin Gin Liqueur: Featuring orange and thyme botanicals. £14.75 for 50cl at thewhiskyexchange.com.
Mixers are also embracing floral notes to complement your G&T or other cocktails:
- Artisan Drinks Violet Blossom Tonic: Offers a meadow-like taste with elderflower and violet. £16.80 for 12 x 200ml at thenorfolkhub.co.uk.
- Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade: Scented with Bulgarian rose oil and lemons. £1.55 for 275ml at sainsburys.co.uk.
- Belvoir Floral Soda: Elderflowers blended with hibiscus & geranium petal extracts for a delightfully floral fizz £2.25 for 500ml at ocado.com.
- Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom Tonic: Celebrates the Hanami season with aromatic blossom. £1.90 for 20cl at piccantino.co.uk.
These fragrant gins and mixers invite you to explore a sensory journey, perfect for those who want to create their own bespoke ‘blend’ and fully appreciate the art of perfumery in their glass. Cheers!
Written by Suzy Nightingale