The River Test Distillery Chalkstream Gold Gin is a special edition Hampshire gin distilled with Maris Otter barley grown in fields surrounding the distillery. It is presented in a golden coloured bottle, which reflects the colours of the barley fields.
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.
The River Test Distillery Chalkstream Gold Gin
This excellent Hampshire gin was first released in 2021. It is distilled with some classic gin botanicals as well as Maris Otter barley grown in fields bordering the distillery. The botanicals include:
This remains a juniper-led gin; the bay and rosemary add a certain herbaceous character and complexity, whilst the Maris Otter barley lends a subtle sweetness. Bottled at 40% ABV.
One of the key botanicals in The River Test Distillery Chalkstream Gold Gin is Maris Otter barley. This barley was developed from old English grains for distillers and brewers in the UK and imparts a unique flavour to many of the UK’s craft spirits. It requires less nitrogen than other varieties, which means farmers need to apply fewer nitrogen-based fertilisers, thereby reducing the environmental impact of production. It is not normally used as a botanical, though!
This excellent Hampshire 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 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.
River Test Chalkstream Gold Gin has aromas of citrus, vanilla and a touch of oakiness. The palate showcases juniper taking centre stage, beautifully complemented by the subtle sweetness and unique flavours of Maris Otter barley. Herbaceous notes from bay and rosemary add a touch of complexity to the bright, botanical blend, while delicate hints of mint weave through the profile. This refined gin has a smooth mouthfeel with a fresh, aromatic finish
This premium 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 slice of grapefruit.
Double silver medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021
