Hendrick's is an unusual gin created from eleven fine botanicals. The curious, yet marvellous, infusions of rose and cucumber imbue the spirit with its uniquely balanced flavour resulting in an impeccably smooth distinct gin. Astoundingly fresh notes of cucumber with juniper, oak, a touch more citrus and vanilla. Creamy and savoury. A long, refreshing, floral finish.
- Distillery: William Grant & Sons - Hendrick's
- Type: Gin
- Region: Scotland
- Alcohol: 44%
- Volume: 1,000ml (1L)
- Goes with: Ice, premium tonic, sliced rounds of cucumber
Hendrick's is created via an absurdly inefficient, yet quite glorious process. In essence, to make one gin, Hendrick's first create two. One on an old-fashioned pot still, yielding a rich and intricate spirit. The other on a long-necked Carter Head, producing a delicate, more refined spirit. Each still is infused with an unusual symphony of 11 botanicals: chamomile, elderflower, juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, caraway, coriander, cubeb berries, angelica root, yarrow root and orris root. The gins from the two stills are then married together and graced with curious yet marvellous infusions of Rose and Cucumber.
This odd method of making gin enables Hendrick's gin to taste light, yet intriguingly complex. The result is a wondrously refreshing gin with a delightfully floral aroma, elevating any gin cocktail and all occasions.
Though Hendrick’s Gin was first released by William Grant & Sons in 1999, the history of the two stills that make it a delightfully distinctive drink stretches back much further indeed. Hendrick’s is made using a marriage of spirits from a Carter-Head Still (made in 1948) and a small pot still crafted by Bennet, Sons & Shears in 1860 - both were bought by Charles Gordon, great grandson of William Grant, in the 1960s.
Hendrick’s Gin itself was created by Grant’s Malt Master David Stewart and Hendrick’s Gin Master Distiller Lesley Gracie, using the spirit from both stills and an intriguing selection of botanicals, including yarrow, cubeb berries, elderflower and more. To this, they also infuse Bulgarian rose and cucumber - as such, you’ll likely see a Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic served with a slice of cucumber rather than some sort of citrus fruit.