Nicholson Original London Dry Gin

Product of: United Kingdom

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Dating back to 1736, Nicholson was one of the best-known London gin brands, specified by name in classic cocktail tomes such The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book, Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails and The Savoy Cocktail Book. This 2017 reincarnation is true to the original Nicholson recipe with 10 botanicals:

juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orange and lemon citrus peel, cinnamon, orris root, cassia bark, nutmeg and liquorice.

William Nicholson, the man who founded Nicholson Gin, is said to be the "man who saved Lord's" due to his lending money to the MCC in 1866 enabling the club to acquire London’s famous Lord’s Cricket Ground. It is said that the MCC was so grateful to Nicholson they adopted his gin brand’s “egg and bacon” colours – there is a certainly striking resemblance in the livery of the MCC and that of Nicholson Gin.

Nicholson Gin has been revived by Nicholas Browne and Tim Walker, both cousins and descendants of William Nicholson, who have entrusted Thames Distillers to recreate their family’s lost gin.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 11/09/2017

Appearance:

Crystal clear.

Aroma:

Piney juniper, pavement after rain minerality, orange led zesty citrus, Dentine chewing gum-like notes (perhaps from the cassia bark) and faint parma violet cold stewed tea (perhaps from orris root).

Taste:

Dry with cracked black pepper and piney juniper smoothed by black liquorice and nutty earthy angelica root. Citrusy notes are very evident but much more subdued than on the nose.

Aftertaste:

Black pepper and nutmeg spiced liquorice, piney juniper and milky builder’s tea.

Overall:

Cracked black pepper is more prevalent in this classically London styled gin than I remember from rare vintage samples, but this modern recreation does have Nicholson’s attractive liquorice notes. It’s great to see a lost brand revived.