Experience the Botanical Symphony of Gin and Tonic

As you savor a gin and tonic, you’re not just enjoying a drink; you’re partaking in a sensory experience crafted from a harmonious blend of aromatic botanicals. Distillers pour their passion into every bottle, meticulously selecting unique ingredients, with juniper berries leading the charge as the quintessential botanical. Yet, it is often the additional fragrant notes—those delightful surprises—that capture our attention and elevate the experience further.

Recently, a captivating trend has taken the distilling community by storm, one that has perfumers and gin enthusiasts alike raising their glasses in celebration. Enter the world of flower-powered gins, which are blooming beautifully, especially during the summer months. These gins infuse the essence of vibrant summer blooms, offering a refreshing twist that captivates both the imagination and the taste buds.

In the realm of gins, as in the world of fragrance, the selection of botanicals is crucial. This meticulous choice and blending process transform a simple drink into a full-fledged sensory experience, much like a masterfully crafted perfume. So, the next time you enjoy a gin and tonic, take a moment to appreciate the artistry involved—it’s a tribute to the craft of perfumers and a celebration of the beauty of botanicals in each sip.

In the enchanting world of perfumery, Comte de Grasse is revolutionizing the art of distillation by drawing from its rich aromatic heritage. Located in the historic home of the renowned fragrance house Roure, which has been crafting raw materials since 1820, this innovative distillery has become a hub of modern distillation techniques. Comte de Grasse employs advanced methods such as ultrasonic maceration, vacuum distillation, and CO2 supercritical extraction to produce their signature creation, 44°N Gin. This exquisite floral-infused gin exemplifies the seamless fusion of perfumery and distillation, delivering a uniquely captivating sensory experience.

Comte de Grasse 44°N Gin £75 fortnumandmason.com

CEO & Founder Bhagath Reddy proudly shares, ‘By integrating techniques from the perfume industry into our gin production, we have crafted a flavor experience that is unparalleled.’ The tasting journey of 44°N gin begins with bright citrus top notes, complemented by salty samphire and robust, woody juniper, which gracefully transition into a floral heart featuring Grasse’s Rosa centifolia, jasmine, and honeyed mimosa. This is beautifully grounded by a base of spicy, peppered patchouli and elegant, powdery orris. This bold fusion of flavors promises to tantalize your senses, much like a fine fragrance.

Explore Floral-Inspired Gins for a Unique Experience

• Custom Spirit Co Flower Power Gin: This delightful gin incorporates a bouquet of florals including lavender, rose petals, chamomile, and elderflower. Available for £31.16 for 70cl at masterofmalt.com.
• Whitley Neill Parma Violet Gin: Infused with vibrant violet flowers, this gin offers a taste reminiscent of Italy. Priced at £24.99 for 70cl at distillersdirect.com.
• BLOOM London Dry Gin: Crafted by master distiller Joanne Moore, this gin features a medley of chamomile, honeysuckle, and pomelo, priced at £25.99 for 70cl at spiritly.com.
• Dunnet Bay Rock Rose Gin: A unique blend featuring local botanicals along with imported juniper. Available for £36 for 70cl at dunnetbaydistillers.com.
• Mary-Le-Bone Orange & Geranium Gin: Inspired by historic pleasure gardens, this gin offers a fragrant mix for £22.51 for 70cl at masterofmalt.com.
• City of London Distillery Rhubarb & Rose Gin: This small-batch gin boasts a delightful floral and fruity profile, priced at £30.90 for 70cl at thewhiskyworld.com.
• Silent Pool English Rose Gin: Infused with exquisite English roses, this gin is perfect for summer sipping, available for £25.50 for 50cl at thespiritbottle.com.
• Edinburgh Orange Blossom & Mandarin Gin Liqueur: Featuring a blend of orange and thyme botanicals, this liqueur is priced at £14.75 for 50cl at thewhiskyexchange.com.

Enhance Your Cocktails with Floral Mixers

• Artisan Drinks Violet Blossom Tonic: This tonic offers a meadow-like flavor with hints of elderflower and violet, priced at £16.80 for 12 x 200ml at thenorfolkhub.co.uk.
• Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade: Infused with fragrant Bulgarian rose oil and zesty lemons, this lemonade is available for £1.55 for 275ml at sainsburys.co.uk.
• Belvoir Floral Soda: A delightful concoction of elderflowers blended with hibiscus and geranium petal extracts for a refreshing fizz, priced at £2.25 for 500ml at ocado.com.
• Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom Tonic: Celebrating the beauty of the Hanami season, this tonic features aromatic blossoms, available for £1.90 for 20cl at piccantino.co.uk.

These enchanting floral gins and mixers invite you to embark on a sensory journey, perfect for those who wish to craft their unique blend and fully appreciate the exquisite art of perfumery in their glass. Cheers!

Written by Suzy Nightingale