East India Company’s Dry Gin Launch Review

Over the summer I have developed a bit of a functional alcohol-ism habit which I’ve pinpointed to two main culprits: festivals and a discovery of the deliciousness that is…gin. Not wishing to end my winning streak of mid-week summer drinking engagements, my buddy and I jumped at the chance to have a November evening tasting The East India Company’s new Dry Gin down at their branch on Conduit Street.

The East India Company prides itself on supplying fine tea, coffees and other foods and drinks from around the world and the addition of spirits is a recent venture. The gin they produce has a base like any other, a wheat feedstock and the 5 mains botanicals: juniper, coriander, orris root, liquorice and angelica. However the research that has gone into making what they believe is the finest gin has led them to add 7 more components: sweet orange, long pepper, cocoa bean, galangal, green cardamom, nutmeg and amchur (green mango) powder.

It was really cool being walked through all the botanicals and the process required to make such a high value gin. Also the fact they use all UK wheat to produce it. We got to try in a couple of cocktails where it was teamed with other herbs and spices (there was a very tasty cardamom and orange-y chai tea topped with a sweet pastry), which were rather delicious. Canapés were in keeping with the travelling theme: a chocolate and cardamom truffle, white chocolate fudge and a passionfruit and mango squidgy Turkish delight like fellow. All rather yummy.

Coming out, thoroughly gin-ned, I have to say we had a delightful evening learning all about the sprit. It was a smooth little number, and went down rather too easily and at £35 a bottle is a premium product but won’t absolutely destroy your bank balance. As we left with a spring/stumble in our step I have to say…we wouldn’t turn down another.

Website:www.theeastindiacompany.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheEastIndia

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theeastindiacompany

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheEastIndia

Reporter: Aspen Glencross

@AbiAspen @thesustainablefoodstory