Hendrick’s Original Gin is one of the world’s most iconic and unusual gins, famed for its infusion of rose and cucumber alongside eleven classic botanicals. Distilled in Scotland using both a 19th-century Bennet still and a rare Carter-Head still, this dual process creates an impeccably smooth, complex, and refreshing gin with floral charm and an intriguingly light character. A truly distinctive gin that has redefined the modern category since its launch in 1999.
Tasting Notes & Experience
Fresh and astoundingly crisp cucumber on the nose, entwined with juniper, oak, citrus zest, and subtle vanilla. The palate is creamy yet savoury, lifted by floral notes of rose and elderflower with hints of spice from coriander and cubeb berries. The finish is long, floral, and refreshing — a signature balance of lightness and depth that makes Hendrick’s one of the most celebrated gins in the world.
Key Details
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Producer: William Grant & Sons – Hendrick’s Gin
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Type: London Dry Gin (contemporary style)
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Region: Scotland
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ABV: 44%
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Volume: 1,000ml
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Botanicals: Juniper, chamomile, elderflower, coriander, cubeb berries, angelica root, yarrow root, orris root, lemon peel, orange peel, caraway
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Signature Serve: Hendrick’s G&T with premium tonic, ice, and a garnish of fresh cucumber slices
Cocktail Pairings
Hendrick’s shines in both classic and playful serves. Enjoy in a crisp Hendrick’s & Tonic, a sparkling French 75, or a refreshing Cucumber Spritz. It also elevates vibrant cocktails such as the Floradora, Summer Punch, and Cucumber Lemonade, showcasing its versatility in both floral and citrus-led creations.
Craftsmanship
Hendrick’s is crafted by marrying two distinct distillates: one from a Bennet pot still (built in 1860) delivering a rich, complex spirit, and another from a Carter-Head still (1948) producing a delicate, refined expression. The spirits are then blended and uniquely infused with rose and cucumber, an eccentric but inspired approach conceived by Master Distiller Lesley Gracie. This balance of tradition and innovation results in a gin that is unmistakably Hendrick’s — light yet layered, floral yet savoury.
Special Features
Hendrick’s was among the first modern gins to break convention, becoming a cult classic for its unusual cucumber and rose character. Its iconic apothecary-style dark bottle pays homage to Victorian-era medicine, symbolising its quirky, innovative identity. Often described as the gin that changed the way the world thought about gin, it remains a benchmark in premium spirits.
Recognition & Accolades
- “Best Gin in the World” – The Wall Street Journal, 2003
- Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2010 & 2012
- Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2021
- Gold – International Spirits Challenge, 2011
- Gold – The Gin Masters (The Spirits Business), 2014
- Silver Outstanding – IWSC, multiple years (2013–2014)
- Master Distiller Lesley Gracie – “Gin Distiller of the Year”, World Gin Awards 2018
Hendrick’s has also received numerous additional silver and bronze medals across major competitions, and consistent high scores (93–95 points) from the Beverage Testing Institute, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s most distinctive and awarded gins.
Perfect for Gifting or Sipping
A gin like no other — Hendrick’s is as suited to an elegant martini as it is to a refreshing garden cocktail. Its remarkable smoothness, iconic character, and gift-worthy packaging make it a perfect choice for personal indulgence or luxury gifting.
Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery
Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.