The River Test Distillery Sunset Citrus Gin is a zesty, citrus-driven Hampshire gin. It is inspired by the ruby red sunsets over the distillery whose colour is reflected in the pinkish-red coloured bottle. Key botanicals include pink grapefruit, pomelo and rosehip.
River Test Gin is an award-winning, small-batch 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 fabulous 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 locally foraged 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 gin is made with a secret blend of botanicals, but the three important ones here are pomelo, pink grapefruit and rosehip. The pomelo and pink grapefruit produce bold citrus notes, whilst the rosehip lends a subtle floral sweetness for a refreshing twist on the classic London Dry style. Designed to evoke the balmy evenings along the River Test.
Bottled at 42% ABV.
This excellent small-batch gin is one of three award-winning Hampshire gins; the other two in the range are:
All three of these small-batch Hampshire gins, and their Spice 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 Sunset Citrus Gin opens with a lively and aromatic nose with layers of fresh grapefruit and pomelo, offering inviting citrus brightness with hints of rosehip sweetness. On the palate, it delivers a well-rounded and refreshing experience, citrus zest takes centre stage and is supported by a light juniper backbone with subtle, intermingling floral notes from the rosehip. The finish is silky and lingering with rosehip-driven sweetness, balanced by bright acidity for a clean finish.
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 pink grapefruit or blood orange.
For a cocktail, try in a “River Sunset Spritz”:
Ingredients:
Method:
Gold – Global Gin Master 2022
Silver – World Gin Awards 2023 – “Lifted aromatics, with a well-balanced citrus and spice forward nose. A pretty and floral style, elegant and driven with a good juniper backbone. Oily citrus notes.”
