A classic London Dry …

A fine London Dry, Hayman’s is quintessentially English, and is still crafted to the original recipe as it was when the family started distilling back in 1863, with the botanicals being infused in English wheat spirit for an entire day “allowing the full natural flavours to shine through.”

The 41.2^% ABV gin is made using traditional copper stills, all named after the female members of the Hayman family – but this London dry, while bearing the traditional Juniper and citrus leads typical of its type, finishes with a surprising – and very welcome warming spiciness; making it perhaps ideal to be enjoyed in the cooler months of our temperate climate.

The 10 botanicals won’t be found growing in an English garden such as the Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Angelica or Liquorice root.  Other additions to the still include Orris root, Cassia bark, lemon & orange peel and peppery Coriander; one of my favourite spices.

So … what is so special about this gin, yet another London dry amongst the hundreds now available?  For both of your gin bloggers, it stands out due to its oily smoothness; and perhaps the kick/bite?  We also feel it is maybe a contradiction that it is a smooth gin with a perfectly balanced bite on the finish?

Other offerings we’ve yet to try from Hayman’s include its Old Tom, Sloe, Gently Rested, Hopped and Royal Dock, plus a gin liqueur – and probably more by the time this review is published.  All are crafted by master distiller Christopher Hayman who, in 2019, celebrated 50 years of working with gin, which was marked by introducing Hayman’s Rare Cut: a London Dry cut at 50^% – the perfect strength for a Martini, and Christopher’s favourite cocktail.

We will buy this classic gin again; at £26 from Waitrose and Amazon, we found Hayman’s London Dry Gin to be perfect with Indian tonic and a wedge of lime.