Hendrick’s Gin
First Produced
1999Still Type
Bennett Still AND Carter-Head Still
The Hendrick’s Gin Story
The world-famous Hendrick’s Gin was the brainchild of the William Grant family, a renowned Scotch whisky distiller. Back in 1966, Charles Gordon – the great-grandson of William Grant – went to an auction and acquired an 1860 Bennet Still and a 1943 rare Carter-Head still.
He had these stills restored but it was another 33 years before he worked out what on earth he was going to do with them. In 1989 he tasked Lesley Gracie to invent an elixir which used both stills.
Ten years on they created a liquid which used both stills, through a production process which is entirely unique to Hendrick’s. This highly unusual process sees the distillate from both stills combined and blended with rose and cucumber to create a gin that is truly like no other.
Every drop of Hendrick’s is produced under the instructions of master distiller, Miss Lesley Gracie at their Girvan distillery on the South Ayrshire coast.
Key Botanicals
- Juniper
- Caraway Seeds
- Coriander
- Elderflower
- Arrowroot
- Angelica root
- Orris root
- Lemon peel
- Orange peel
- Chamomile
- Cubeb berries
Tasting Notes
No other gin tastes like Hendrick’s because no other gin is made like Hendrick’s. It is divinely smooth with character and a balance of subtle flavour; it is a truly round gin. Its infusions of rose and cucumber create a wonderfully delightful floral aroma and fresh mouthfeel.
A perfect Hendrick’s Gin and Tonic should be made in a highball glass full of cubed ice, then pour in 50ml Hendrick’s Gin and top with 150ml of tonic water; finally, garnish with three slices of cucumber. Alternatively, why not try it in an unusual Negroni (pictured)?
Expressions
- Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice Gin
- Hendrick's Orbium Gin
- Hendrick's Lunar Gin
Key Personnel
Master Distiller Lesley Gracie
Website
The Scottish Gin Society verdict
This is an excellent, yet unusual gin. While the traditional juniper is present, it is wonderfully enhanced by the rose and cucumber (we really never thought we’d put those two words together). The overall result is a floral but fresh-tasting gin.
