Partridges London: Original Chelsea Flower Gin and No.2 Chelsea Flower Gin Review
Partridges, the independent, family-run grocer and Royal Warrant Holder launched the ORIGINAL Chelsea Flower Gin last May to celebrate its 45thAnniversary and this year they launched a NEW Chelsea Flower Gin to commemorate Harry and Meghan’s Royal Wedding. The launch also took place at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place close to Partridges’ flagship store in Duke of York Square.
While we missed the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we were lucky enough to be sent some sample bottles of The Original Chelsea Flower Gin and No.2 Chelsea Flower Gin just in time for World Gin Day. Both bottles are pretty with floral and fruit designs swirled over a white background and are hand filled limited editions. The gins have been created in collaboration with the Dunnet Bay Distillers in Scotland. The distillers are located close to the home of the Partridges owners’ great, great, great grandmother.
THE ORIGINAL CHELSEA FLOWER GIN contains 19 botanicals including rose petals, marigold, verbena, cassia bark and juniper and is a very floral based gin. ‘Rose and other floral notes interact with piney juniper and peppery spice’ were what we were promised and its exactly what we got. I love a floral gin so this gin was a winner for me straight off. It smelt fabulous and was very smoot to drink neat. Now The Original Signature Serve is 50ml of Original Chelsea Flower Gin with a premium Tonic served with ice and garnished with borage flowers and rose petals. Now this was a very easy gin and tonic to drink, though I will say… don’t go overboard with the rose petals. You’ll end up with a mouth full of roses instead of a delightful gin and tonic.
Now No.2 CHELSEA FLOWER GIN is infused with bergamot and is ‘elegant, indulgent and rounded with body and freshness. The press released states there the ‘notes of bergamot lead but there is also a medley of citrus and coriander with hints of lemon tart and vanilla’. After trying The Original, I couldn’t wait to try this gin. So after a palate cleanser, it was time to try. Upon first taste, I must admit I preferred this to the The Original. The citrus notes were more refreshing and it made for a cleaner tasting gin.The No.2 Signature Serve is slightly unusal as they recommend 50ml No.2 served over ice with 50ml chilled Partridges Earl Grey Tea infused with honey to taste. Stir, top up with tonic water and garnish with a slice of bergamot or lime. We didn’t have Partridges Earl Grey Tea, but we did have another brand in the cupboard. It was torture having to wait for the tea to cool down enough to mix the gin and tonic… but the wait was so worth it. The tea enhanced the bergamot botanicals and made for an unique gin and tonic. I’ll be definitely taking the extra effort to brew up some tea to add to my gins in the future.
Chelsea Flower Gin is only available in Partridges’ two central London stores in Duke of York Square, Chelsea and Gloucester Road, Kensington and online at www.partridges.co.uk. It is priced at £29.95 for a 50ml bottle or a 5cl bottle costs £3.99. Though for a quick and easy alternative… The Original comes in a 275ml pre-mixed can for only £4.99.
Written by Tegan LeBon
@toogs1
