Hensol Castle Welsh Dry Gin Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.
Reviewed by Shetho
If you are looking for a Father’s Day gift for your gin loving dad this could be just what you have been searching for.
I have been a gin lover since before gin became the popular drink it is today. I’ve always loved the crispness and refreshing taste it brings. I was delighted to be given the opportunity to try out and review the Hensol Castle Welsh Dry Gin even though I had not heard of the brand or tried it before. I love to find out about companies that are new to me, so looked up their website on the internet and was fascinated to learn that Hensol Castle Distillery is owned by the Leeke family whose ancestors first set up business in ironmongery in 1897. Hensol is the UK’s only full scale gin distillery in a 17th century castle. Having read a little about the history of the producers, I couldn’t wait to sample the goods.
The gin arrived safely encased in a bubble wrap bottle sleeve packed in a brown cardboard box. The bottle is plain white ribbed glass with a copper coloured stopper. The label is a simple white with black lettering and copper embellishments. It looks very understated and classy and confirms that this is a hand crafted small batch gin. But enough about the bottle. I was more interested in the contents. I poured a measure into a balloon glass filled with ice and topped it off with light tonic and a generous slice of lemon which is always my favourite combination, simple but the best way to appreciate the product in my opinion. I can’t claim to “have a nose” for gin, but I did give it a good sniff and can confirm that is smelt like gin. No surprise there then. I honestly could not distinguish between gins by the smell. However, when it comes to taking a sip, my taste tastebuds we’re on full alert. This gin certainly packs a punch. The juniper and botanicals are to the fore which for me is exactly how a good gin should be. The Hensol website says ‘Hensol Castle Gin is a traditional copper pot distilled London Dry gin. Juniper led, driven by hand-peeled citrus and our wildflower medley. It’s the perfect balance of spice and sweet botanicals.’ I definitely agree with this claim and at 41V it’s on the stronger side. As I’ve already said I prefer to keep my G&T simple, but I’m sure it would also be great with flavoured tonic or as a cocktail base or ingredient.
This gin is one I would buy and enjoy as a staple; I would recommend it as a gift too. If your dad is a gin lover the Hensol Castle Welsh Dry Gin could make the perfect gift for Father’s Day and make your dad very happy. In addition to the Welsh Dry Gin, Hensol also produce a limited edition Morgannwg gin, black gin, strawberry and hibiscus gin, blood orange zest gin and a couple of rums too, so plenty to choose from.
Was Hensol Welsh Dry Gin my favourite? Well I would certainly put in my top five gins. It packed a hearty punch with a great depth of botanical flavour and sharpness.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £30.00 for 70cl
For more information, visit www.hensolcastledistillery.com