Sample 3 cl Gilpins Premium Extra London Dry Gin 47

The name comes from a family in Westmorland, the water from a spring at Cartmel in the Lake District, and the distilling happens in London. Gilpins gathers three corners of England into one bottle and bottles the result dry and taut. Here in 3 cl, so the style can be met without opening a full bottle.

The expert's description

Sample 3 cl Gilpins Premium Extra London Dry Gin 47% is an English London Dry Gin distilled in pot stills from eight botanicals and bottled at 47%.

The gin was launched in 2011 by Matthew Gilpin, drawing on his family's roots in Westmorland in the north west of England. Distillation itself takes place at Thames Distillery in London, while spring water from Cartmel in the Lake District brings the strength down before bottling.

Eight botanicals carry the recipe. Juniper leads, as the style demands, but sage and borage are what give Gilpins its own signature. Sage lays down a dry, almost dusty herbal note, and borage pulls towards something green and cool. Lime and bitter orange supply the citrus. The 47% is chosen so that none of it disappears once tonic hits the glass.

London Dry Gin says nothing about geography and everything about method: every botanical goes in during distillation, and nothing may be sweetened or coloured afterwards. Gilpins meets both conditions and happens to be distilled in London as well. This 3 cl bottling exists so you can form an impression first.

Tasting notes

Nose

Juniper straight away, dry and resinous, followed by lime peel and coriander seed. Sage sits behind it as a dry herbal tone and makes the aroma read more garden than fruit bowl.

Palate

Dry and faintly oily across the tongue. Juniper takes up plenty of room, bitter orange cuts a sharp edge, and sage and borage fill the middle with something green. The strength registers as warmth rather than bite.

Finish

Long and dry, with bitter angelica root and a peppery flick. Citrus rings out last and leaves the mouth clean.

Specifications

Name: Sample 3 cl Gilpins Premium Extra London Dry Gin 47%
Distillery: Gilpins
Region/Country: England
Type: London Dry Gin
ABV: 47%
Size: 3 CL
Botanicals: Juniper, sage, borage, lime and bitter orange
Distillation method: Pot still distilled
Serving suggestion: With a neutral Tonic Water and a strip of lime peel

Flavour profile

Dry · Juniper · Herbal · Citrus · Spiced

Did you know?

Borage is known as starflower after its sharp blue petals, and it has spent centuries in English summer cups alongside cucumber and mint. That same herb is what gives Gilpins its cool green breath behind the juniper.

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Frequently asked questions about Sample 3 cl Gilpins Premium Extra London Dry Gin 47%

What defines the flavour of Gilpins?

A dry juniper gin with a clear herbal streak from sage and borage. The citrus comes from lime and bitter orange and never turns sweet, because nothing is added after distillation. The result tastes more of a herb garden than a fruit basket.

Can Gilpins be drunk neat?

Yes, and it stands up to it well. Pour a small measure into a tulip glass and let it sit for a minute so the alcohol settles and the sage steps forward. If it feels tight, a couple of drops of cold water opens it right up.

Which tonic works best?

A classic, neutral Indian Tonic. Gilpins already carries plenty of bitterness, and an aromatic or heavily sweetened tonic will bury the sage. Garnish with a strip of lime peel rather than a full slice, so the oils come out without watering the drink down.

Is a sample enough for a Dry Martini?

It makes a small one. A classic Dry Martini is usually built on 6 cl of gin, so a sample yields a modest version or one generous Gin and Tonic. If you want both the neat taste and the mixed drink, take the neat sip first.

What does Premium Extra Dry mean on the label?

It points to the dryness rather than to any official classification. Extra Dry describes a gin with no sweetening at all, and at Gilpins that is underlined by the high strength and the bitter botanicals. Premium is the producer's own wording.

Where is Gilpins distilled?

At Thames Distillery in London. The Gilpin family has its roots in Westmorland in the north west of England, and the spring water used for reduction is drawn at Cartmel in the Lake District, but the stills stand in the capital.

Can several gins be lined up against each other in one sitting?

Yes, and it is the fastest route to understanding the differences between styles. Set out three or four glasses, pour the same measure in each and rinse with water in between. Browse the full selection of Whisky Samples.