Berry Bros & Rudd No.3 Gin (700ml)

What at first glance may appear to be a thoroughly English product is actually produced in Holland. No bad thing given the Dutch invented gin. In fact, it comes out of one of the country's oldest distilleries using a proprietary recipe rooted in British tradition. Berry Bros. & Rudd (est.1698) based at No.3 St. James Street in London take credit for the formula, as referenced in the superb presentation. Inspiration for the key symbol on the label came when packaging designers found a key to 'The Parlour', probably the oldest room in BBR's shop. Produced from a grain based spirit via a 100-year-old, brick-encased, copper pot still, the limited range of botanicals pushes tradition to the extreme with a simple three fruit and three spice recipe: juniper, from Italy, sweet Spanish orange peel and grapefruit peel. Completing the mix are angelica root, adding an earthy, drying quality; Moroccan coriander seed, which releases a lemony flavour during distilling as well as adding a spicy, slightly peppery finish, and cardamom pods, which also add a spicy, aromatic, warm bite.

From a fresh bottle, the first thing that grabs you about No.3 are its vivid aromas of fresh cut grapefruit, unripe raspberries, lavender, black pepper and pine sap. The palate is full-bodied and assertive, led by a peppery attack including juicy grapefruit flavours, hints of coriander and a warm spiciness that carries through to the finish, winding down with grapefruit, ripe lemon and freshly sawn pine. All up, it's a zesty, masculine-styled London Dry defined by grapefruit and spice, and the intensity of flavour at 46% means a little less goes further. Keep a bottle in the freezer and you have Summer's ideal suitor to dry Martinis or classic G&Ts.

Other reviews... Fresh and aromatic, this traditional London dry style gin offers juniper, coriander, grapefruit peel and anise notes. It's versatile and well suited for making gin and tonics. 92 points - wineenthusiast.com

Country Winner Gold - London Dry - 2020 World Gin Awards
Double Gold - 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

...A juniper-forward spirit with a bitter river running through it — likely driven heavily by the grapefruit peel — with a finish that offers both oily citrus notes and light floral elements. Some earthiness creeps in toward the back, along with a slightly sweet, fruity kick. This is gin without a lot of fluff, stripped down to its basics, which makes for a clean and refreshing spirit. - drinkhacker.com

A traditional piney juniper forward London Dry Gin but with the flavour dials turned up - particularly zesty citrus and earthy spice. 5+ stars - diffordsguide.com