Hic! One of my birthday presents was a bottle of Hammer & Sons “Old English Gin“. It comes in a recycled green bottle, with a cork and wax seal.
So of course I had to try it at lunchtime. It is rather nice. I recommend it!
This Old English Gin is made from a 1783 recipe, distilling eleven botanicals in Angela, the oldest pot still being used in England today. Despite the number of botanicals used there is a distinct juniper flavour, which I like. (The juniper flavour seems contrary to the current fashion in gin making where the final product appears not to have even seen any juniper — that’s just not gin in my book, more like funny flavoured vodka!)
I spotted this gin on the British Library shop website (of all the unlikely places!) but it seems to be rather more widely available than I had expected. Good grief, it’s even available on Amazon! OK it isn’t cheap, but it is strong (44% ABV) and it is good.
Yes, this is a strong, refreshing gin. In fact it is so good it almost seems a shame to add anything to it, even tonic water. It is definitely too good for making cocktails or using the enhance the curry. Drink it strong with not much tonic, so that the botanicals get a chance to show through.
This could well become one of my most favourite gins, along with Adnams Copper House gin.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★