The first of a few gin round-ups in the run up to Christmas …
Langley’s No 8 is a small batch, hand-crafted English grain gin from a single distillation copper pot. Nothing new there. Marketed as the ultimate gin for a Martini or a G&T, from the few measures I’ve had from the bottle, I have to say they’ve got it spot on.
The juniper and coriander come through immediately, followed by a punchy citrus kick; it’s followed quickly by licorice, and fresh green grass and is smooth in the finish. It tastes nothing like a lot of the gins I’ve tasted, currently on the market.
It’s a gin for men who like theirs more ‘substantial’. Us flowers of women prefer something delicate (according to their taste tests). I disagree. I love a gin that tastes like gin and not a packet of Parma Violets, so I loved Langley’s. This old style classic English gin is perfect with tonic and a big fat wedge of red grapefruit or their Classic Serve.
I use Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic, so that affects the taste too.
The Langley Distillery had, up until the release of No 8, made gin for Martin Miller’s and Broker’s, but didn’t make a gin with its label.
Visit their website for more details, in the meantime here’s an easy recipe for their 008 Cocktail.
Langley’s 008
50ml Langley’s No 8 Gin
12.5ml St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
37.5ml Apple juice
12.5ml fresh lemon
4 basil leaves
Shake hard with basil & fine strained.
Serve in a coupette and garnish with basil leaf.