Theodore Pictish Gin Review
A little while ago I was invited to the lovely Evening Standard’s Secret Gin Garden. See our review here: onin.london/evening-standards-secret-gin-garden-review.
On the night, one of the Gins we were introduced to was Theodore Pictish Gin. A new Scottish gin powered by the spirit of the Picts, an ancient tribe that once settled near the brand’s home in the Northern Highlands.
The press release states that ‘Theodore Gin is crafted by two Master Distillers – one French and one English with guidance from olfactory expert and perfume designer, Barnabé Fillion, who has brought a contemporary, Pictish approach to the distilling process’.
The distillers we’re intrigued by the story of the Picts despite not much being known about them. It was this sense of mystery which inspired the creation of this new spirit.
Le
ts start with our thoughts on the bottle and the special gift box. The bespoke bottle stands out on our shelves given its different design from the typical gin bottle but it’s the box which features the artwork of the Picts and the 16 botanicals commissioned from Illustrator Carlotta Saracco that is the pièce de résistance. It’s simply beautiful and worth the extra £6 to purchase.
The body-painted warriors are alleged to have travelled from as far as Scythia and Scandinavia to the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Therefore, the gin itself is created using botanicals that the Picts may have encountered on their travels, including pomelo, pine, damask rose, honey and oolong tea.
To taste the gin neat, it’s very smooth and despite the floral taste is not over powering and left me something rich and warm. I love the slight taste of oolong tea we it adds that something I didn’t realise was missing from some of the gins I thoroughly enjoy.
Theodore’s perfect serve contains 50ml Theodore Gin and 125ml tonic water. Build ingredients in a highball glass over ice and garnish with a slice of mango and sprig of thyme.
I can definitely say it’s a delicious perfect serve and who knew mango was such a good garnish for a G and T!! I love when gins experiment me different garnishes and stray from the classic lime, lemon or grapefruit.
One of the cocktails that was recommended for us to try was the Pictish F75. It contains 40ml Theodore Gin, 25ml lemon juice, 15ml pomelo sherbet, 1 drop cedar wood tincture and top with brut Champagne. To make Shake the first four ingredients with ice, then fine strain into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne, mix gently, and garnish with a long pomelo zest twist.
We didn’t have some of the ingredients around the house when we were sampling Theodore Gin but it sounds pretty damn good. It’s a cocktail we’ll be adding to our must try list.
Theodore Gin is available to buy now for £39.95 RRP or £45 RRP with gift box from The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and DrinkSupermaket. Theodore Gin is also available to enjoy in leading bars and restaurants including The Gibson, Disrepute, 64th& Social, The Curtain, Frenchie and Anglian Country Inns.
What are you waiting for? It’s world gin day… it’s time to try a new gin.
Written by Tegan LeBon
