Mayfield Sussex Hop Gin

Difford's Guide
Discerning Drinkers (2 ratings)

alc./vol: 40%

Proof: 80°

Vintage: Non-vintage

Aged: No age statement

As the name suggests, Mayfield Sussex Hop Gin is flavoured with Sussex hops and 7 other botanicals: juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, orris root, liquorice, lemon peel and orange peel. Each botanical is distilled separately in a copper pot still and the distillates then blended.

Created by James Rackham, the founder of Emporia Brands (the artisanal spirits distribution company) and most importantly, resident of Mayfield village in East Sussex. The hops James uses in his gin were originally discovered as a wild hop growing in local hedgerows and are now cultivated by Andrew Hoad as one acres of the 30 acres of hops at Parsonage Farm in Salehurst, Eat Sussex.

The dramatic label, designed by London agency Stranger & Stranger, depicts the story of St. Dunstan and the Devil, an event which according to legend occurred in the 10th Century in Mayfield Village. Archbishop Dunstan is said to have pulled the devil by the nose with his blacksmith's tongs and a pair of tongs displayed at the convent in Mayfield are said to be tongs he used.

One version of the tale says the injured devil flew off from Mayfield to cool his nose in the nearby springs of Tunbridge Wells, so giving the town’s spring waters a reddish tint (actually due to iron in the water). Another version claims the devil flew off with the tongs attached to his nose and that they dropped off near Brighton at a place appropriately called Tongdean.

Review and Tasting


Sampled on 03/10/2017

Appearance:

Crystal clear.

Aroma:

Zesty lime and orange citrus, pine fresh juniper, cracked black pepper, parma violets (orris root) and liquorice.

Taste:

Dry piney juniper with pronounced cracked black pepper and cinnamon spice, sea salt, zesty citrus (surprising subdued compared to nose) and faint floral notes.

Aftertaste:

Piney juniper and black pepper spiced finish.

Overall:

Don’t be put off by the hop notes suggested in the name of what is actually a classically London dry styled gin. The headline Sussex hops are very subtle and beneficial in their influence. Dry pine fresh juniper leads with enlivening cracked black pepper spice.

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Product Information

Barcode UPC: 5060430730040
Bottle Size: 700 ml
Closure: Synthetic stopper
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