Gordon's The Original Special Dry Gin (UK 37.5%)

Product of: United Kingdom

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Gordon's is the UK's leading gin brand and one of the ten best-selling spirits worldwide: on average, ten bottles of Gordon's are sold every minute. It has been made to the same recipe since 1769 (now using a multi-shot method in Scotland) when Alexander Gordon set up his business in London.

Gordon's was established in 1769, when Alexander Gordon set up his distillery in London's Southwark and the boar's head symbol which now appear on the top of the screw cap is taken from the escutcheon of the Clan Gordon.

In 1786 Alexander Gordon moved his business a few miles from Southwark to Goswell Street (now Goswell Road), Clerkenwell, partly for the quality of the spa water there. By the time he died in 1823, his gin was a household name, and his son and grandson would succeed him in the business.

In 1877 Charles Gordon sold his rectifying business to John Currie & Co. of Bromley, Middlesex, who produced neutral malt spirit for several distillers. The Gordon's brand left the family but retained their name: the boar's head symbol once seen on the front label but recently relegated to the top of the screw cap is taken from the escutcheon of Clan Gordon.

In 1898, Gordon's and the Bloomsbury Distillery of Charles Tanqueray united and began trading as Tanqueray Gordon. This business evolved into part of international conglomerate Diageo, which now owns the Gordon's and Tanqueray brands.

Gordon's is still made to Alexander's original recipe, but many previously stalwart fans were dismayed when, in the early 1990s, Diageo reduced its strength from 40% to its current 37.5% alc./vol. In a move to reduce duty and invest the money saved in marketing.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 07/06/2014

Appearance:

Clear, transparent.

Aroma:

Hops, eucalyptus and spruce needles with citrus zest, sage, faint almond and liquorice.

Taste:

Juniper-led with lemon zest and peppery spice, plus peppermint and liquorice freshness with a faint sweetness.

Aftertaste:

Rootier notes come through in a long, zingy, peppery finish with juniper and lemon zest.