The River Test Distillery London Dry Gin is a classic London Dry style gin, juniper-led with gently honeyed, floral notes from handpicked Meadowsweet flowers. Presented in a smart green bottle which reflects the colours of the River Test riverbed.
River Test Gin is an award-winning Hampshire Gin produced at The River Test Distillery, a craft distillery located on the banks of the River Test in Longparish, Hampshire, approximately 12 miles north of Winchester.
The distillery was founded by husband and wife team Jonathan and Sarah Nelson. Established in 2019, with little gin-producing experience, the aim was to produce a gin that was good enough to sip neat over ice, which would also make a perfect gin and tonic. The Nelsons hit the ground running with a gold medal for their London Dry Gin in England at the World Gin Awards 2020.
The inspiration for these Hampshire gins is drawn from the “gin clear” chalk stream waters of the River Test, world-famous for its fly fishing. Indeed, the pure, chalk-filtered water for their spirit production is drawn, chalk-filtered, from the local aquifer that feeds the river, whilst local flora is represented by riverside botanicals, including meadowsweet and angelica.
The distillery is equipped with an iStill. The still is produced by a Dutch company and it is part of a line of innovative, high-tech distillation equipment designed for craft distillers. Unlike conventional stills, iStills use advanced software for precise temperature control and real-time monitoring via apps. This allows distillers to produce spirits like craft gin, vodka, rum and whisky with minimal waste, maximum consistency and superb quality.
This is the distillery’s classic London Dry style gin. It is made with a blend of 10 botanicals. The botanicals include Meadowsweet, handpicked from the banks of the River Test. This imparts a honeyed, floral note, while angelica contributes an earthy, slightly spicy depth. As a traditional London Dry Gin, it is juniper-forward with a classic piney, resinous backbone. bottled at 43% ABV.
This excellent London Dry Gin is one of three small-batch award-winning gins; the other two in the range are:
All three of these small-batch Hampshire gins and their excellent Spiced Rum are available to buy at Fareham Wine Cellar.
Sustainability is a core pillar of River Test Distillery’s operations. The distillery is situated within two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), the adjacent meadow and the River Test itself. Jon and Sarah are responsible for maintaining and conserving the local flora and fauna. Whenever possible, the distillery uses locally sourced botanicals and barley.
The iStill provides a significant advantage due to its superior efficiency and energy-saving capabilities compared to traditional stills. Additionally, the distillery operates an electric vehicle, and its bottles, made in the UK from 55% recycled glass, help minimise the carbon footprint.
The River Test Distillery London Dry Gin has aromas of floral notes, with chamomile, hay and meadowsweet, giving a fresh, slightly sweet scent. On the palate, it’s a classic London Dry with strong juniper, balanced by angelica and a clean, smooth feel. The finish starts sweet but ends dry, crisp and refreshing.
This gin is good enough to be drunk neat over ice.
For a gin and tonic, use a classic Indian tonic water, lots of ice and a wedge of lime.
England’s Best London Dry Gin at The World Gin Awards 2020 – “Very fruity and soft spice on the nose. On the palate, there seems to be a bit of seaweed in the background. Overall, a very good complexity and nicely balanced juniper notes.”
Gold at the World Spirits Competition 2020
Master medal from The Spirits Business in 2020
