Amalfi Citrus Dry Gin Cellars: £30.50
NOSE: Complex aromas of Juniper, lemon, lime, bergamot.
PALATE: Warming
FINISH: This just keeps going on and on and on.
THE IDEAL SERVE
For a classic Amalfi Martini, place two measures of Fresh Citrus into a cocktail shaker with lots of ice and a single teaspoon of Belfleur elderflower liqueur. Shake well and pour into a chilled martini glass, add a single curl of lemon peel and an olive for a truly refreshing and sophisticated drink. The only thing you'll want after you've tried this once will be 'the same again please'
The intensity of this gin lends itself to long drinks, and a single measure in a tall glass with plenty of ice, topped up with Mediterranean tonic water and a couple of curls of lime peel is a great way to enjoy Fresh Citrus Amalfi Dry Gin.
Country: Belgium
Region: Lion d’Orweg -
Producer: Hand Crafted Belgian Gin
Allergens: Not known
Bottle size: 50cl
abv: 38.0%
Distillery Information
The history of Gin starts in the Low Countries (Belgium) in the 15th century.
To find where ‘gin’ comes from we need first to find the origins of genever/jenever, the prototype combination of grain spirit and juniper berries and other botanicals. According to the National Jenever Museum of Belgium it was first produced in Flanders in the 13th century. At this time, this area was part of the Low Countries that also included what is now Holland, bits of Northern France and Luxemburg.
Originally used as a medicinal tonic or a herbal medicine, it wasn’t long before genever was being drunk for pleasure. Again the transition lacks precise dates and written records but one source of information is the numerous records of taxation levied on distilleries throughout the Low Countries from the late 15th century onwards.
The first recorded mention of genever as a distilled beverage flavored with juniper and botanicals was in 1552, in a book called Een Constelijck Distileerboec by Antwerp-
The English first met genever during the Eighty Years War (1568-
The origin of gin can be traced back to Belgium, Brugge with the first published recipe of a spirit made with juniper berries (the main ingredient in gin). Belgin's artisanal Belgian gins are the result of 500 years of Belgian distilling history since giving birth to gin, Belgian's rich spice trade going back to medieval times and the craftmanship from Belgium's famous beer and culinary history. Belgin continues the story of gin with unique new flavours such as Fresh Hop and brings a new level of gin quality back to the country that started it all.
To be legally classified as a gin, the primary flavour influence in the finished spirit has to be juniper, and Belgin source their hand-
The company philosophy is to only use natural ingredients, and to extract their flavours by treating every component individually. No artificial colours, synthetic concentrates or sweeteners are used in the process -
In a world where it feels as though every possible botanical has been added to juniper in a bid to make a new 'wonder-
The earliest records of juniper flavoured drinks go all the way back to the 13th century, and a Belgian reference book called Der Naturen Bloeme. At this time it is difficult to definitively say whether this proves that gin (or genever as it was originally known) was invented in Belgium, but it seems likely that they were among the very first distillers.
As with many alcoholic liquors, the earliest producers were almost certainly monks and members of religious orders, as their status and the power of the church and monasteries would keep them protected from local marauders. Additionally, the monks would often travel to far off lands as missionaries, and would return with exotic seeds and herbs to add to their own monastic gardens, giving rise to ever more complex creations.
Certain botanicals are distilled separately and others in groups. In addition, fresh herbs or fruits are macerated for extra fresh flavours. The European definition does not allow these innovative techniques in a London Dry Gin.
Is this better than a London Dry?
This Belgin Fresh Citrus, which uses the peel of the world-
The original Femminello Sfusato lemon was virtually inedible, so local farmers cross pollinated the lemons with bitter local oranges until they created the Nostrato -
Belgin have combined this legendary peel with lime, verbena and lemongrass, then added a further 15 carefully chosen botanicals to create a fabulously fresh gin. Absolutely perfect for those long hot summery days, when you wish that you were basking on a beach on the Italian coast -
Fresh Hop Dry Gin Cellars: £28.50
NOSE: Crisp, fresh and delicate
PALATE: Floral, Juniper
FINISH: Elegant with a long floral finish
THE IDEAL SERVE
This is highly recommended for those of you that like their gins to be complemented with a great tonic water, try Fevertree Elderflower tonic garnished with frsh coriander leaf and a zest of orange.
Try it in a classic martini by mixing 50ml of chilled Belgin Fresh Hop with 15ml dry vermouth, a single olive and a slice of lemon or lime. Alternatively, add a few drops of angostura bitters to 50ml Fresh Hop, add a couple of ice cubes and top up with soda water and garnish with lemon peel for a refreshing pink gin.
Country: Belgium
Region: Lion d’Orweg -
Producer: Hand Crafted Belgian Gin
Allergens: Not known
Bottle size: 50cl
abv: 40.0%
Distillery Information
The history of Gin starts in the Low Countries (Belgium) in the 15th century.
To find where ‘gin’ comes from we need first to find the origins of genever/jenever, the prototype combination of grain spirit and juniper berries and other botanicals. According to the National Jenever Museum of Belgium it was first produced in Flanders in the 13th century. At this time, this area was part of the Low Countries that also included what is now Holland, bits of Northern France and Luxemburg.
Originally used as a medicinal tonic or a herbal medicine, it wasn’t long before genever was being drunk for pleasure. Again the transition lacks precise dates and written records but one source of information is the numerous records of taxation levied on distilleries throughout the Low Countries from the late 15th century onwards.
The first recorded mention of genever as a distilled beverage flavored with juniper and botanicals was in 1552, in a book called Een Constelijck Distileerboec by Antwerp-
The English first met genever during the Eighty Years War (1568-
The origin of gin can be traced back to Belgium, Brugge with the first published recipe of a spirit made with juniper berries (the main ingredient in gin). Belgin's artisanal Belgian gins are the result of 500 years of Belgian distilling history since giving birth to gin, Belgian's rich spice trade going back to medieval times and the craftmanship from Belgium's famous beer and culinary history. Belgin continues the story of gin with unique new flavours such as Fresh Hop and brings a new level of gin quality back to the country that started it all.
To be legally classified as a gin, the primary flavour influence in the finished spirit has to be juniper, and Belgin source their hand-
The company philosophy is to only use natural ingredients, and to extract their flavours by treating every component individually. No artificial colours, synthetic concentrates or sweeteners are used in the process -
The staff are involved with the annual hop harvesting, which ensures that they have total control over the quality of the secret hop variety that helps to make Belgin unique. They use an exclusive source for the fruit in their Raspberry Rosé gin, and the completely natural flavours that their master distiller captures takes fruit gins and vodkas to a level that is unmatched by other producers.
Certain botanicals are distilled separately and others in groups. In addition, fresh herbs or fruits are macerated for extra fresh flavours. The European definition does not allow these innovative techniques in a London Dry Gin,
Is this better than a London Dry?
Belgin Fresh Hop is crafted with fresh aromatic Belgian hops, juniper berries, soft coriander and a combination of citrus ingredients such as lemon peels from the mediterranean, cardamom, lime and Italian Bergamot.
These 16 pure and natural ingredients are masterfully blended for an ultra refined gin with a versatile and nuanced character.
Starting with juniper berries from Macedonia, Belgin bring together 14 more botanicals from around the world, including citrus peels from around the Mediterranean and Italy, vanilla from Madagascar, cardamom and star anise from the Far East and finally we add that most Belgian of ingredients -
Fresh Hop is an excellent starting point for those of you that are just discovering the Belgin range. It has an astonishingly clean taste, with a perfect balance of botanicals that combine to produce a truly smooth, easy-
Raspberry Rosé Dry Gin Cellars: £30.50
NOSE: Intense Raspberries followed with a citrus background
PALATE: Raspberries in the fore ground with delicate flavours of rose petal and grapefruit.
FINISH: Medium finish
THE IDEAL SERVE
For the ultimate taste of summer, pour a generous measure of Raspberry Rosé over ice in a balloon glass. Top up with artisan elderflower tonic water, (or add half a measure of Belfleur to Indian tonic) add 3 or 4 fresh raspberries for garnish, and a couple of strands of orange peel.
Country: Belgium
Region: Lion d’Orweg -
Producer: Hand Crafted Belgian Gin
Allergens: Not known
Bottle size: 50cl
abv: 38.0%
Distillery Information
The history of Gin starts in the Low Countries (Belgium) in the 15th century.
To find where ‘gin’ comes from we need first to find the origins of genever/jenever, the prototype combination of grain spirit and juniper berries and other botanicals. According to the National Jenever Museum of Belgium it was first produced in Flanders in the 13th century. At this time, this area was part of the Low Countries that also included what is now Holland, bits of Northern France and Luxemburg.
Originally used as a medicinal tonic or a herbal medicine, it wasn’t long before genever was being drunk for pleasure. Again the transition lacks precise dates and written records but one source of information is the numerous records of taxation levied on distilleries throughout the Low Countries from the late 15th century onwards.
The first recorded mention of genever as a distilled beverage flavored with juniper and botanicals was in 1552, in a book called Een Constelijck Distileerboec by Antwerp-
The English first met genever during the Eighty Years War (1568-
The origin of gin can be traced back to Belgium, Brugge with the first published recipe of a spirit made with juniper berries (the main ingredient in gin). Belgin's artisanal Belgian gins are the result of 500 years of Belgian distilling history since giving birth to gin, Belgian's rich spice trade going back to medieval times and the craftmanship from Belgium's famous beer and culinary history. Belgin continues the story of gin with unique new flavours such as Fresh Hop and brings a new level of gin quality back to the country that started it all.
To be legally classified as a gin, the primary flavour influence in the finished spirit has to be juniper, and Belgin source their hand-
The company philosophy is to only use natural ingredients, and to extract their flavours by treating every component individually. No artificial colours, synthetic concentrates or sweeteners are used in the process -
Certain botanicals are distilled separately and others in groups. In addition, fresh herbs or fruits are macerated for extra fresh flavours. The European definition does not allow these innovative techniques in a London Dry Gin.
Is this better than a London Dry?
In a world where it feels as though every possible botanical has been added to juniper in a bid to make a new 'wonder-
The earliest records of juniper flavoured drinks go all the way back to the 13th century, and a Belgian reference book called Der Naturen Bloeme. At this time it is difficult to definitively say whether this proves that gin (or genever as it was originally known) was invented in Belgium, but it seems likely that they were among the very first distillers.
Raspberry Rosé is the first fruit gin, and has proven to be hugely popular. Starting with a bespoke gin recipe, specifically created to compliment the fruit flavours, which combines juniper with 15 other botanicals to make a great dry gin. Then a huge quantity of fresh raspberries are added and a delicate hint of rose petals to produce a truly stunning gin.
The raspberries are sourced from a single local producer and this ensures absolute consistency with every single bottle made. As soon as you open the bottle, you immediately know that this is a gin that isn't going to disappoint.
NO sugars, artificial sweeteners or colourings are added to this gin, it relies entirely on the natural fructose from the fruit. Belgin's philosophy is that if you're making a fruit gin, it should be fruit flavoured gin, rather than the more obviously liqueur style that some other producers favour.
Spéciale Dry Gin Cellars: £29.50
NOSE: Crisp, fresh and delicate
PALATE: Delicate with flavours of orange, lime and lemon
FINISH: Aromatic delicate with a medium finish
THE IDEAL SERVE
The classic G&T made with Spéciale is 50ml's gin,100ml's artisan Indian tonic, slice of lemon, 2 coriander leaves and a couple of juniper berries for garnish, all served with ice in a balloon style glass. As an alternative, you can use orange zest in place of the lemon and juniper berries -
For those of you that still remember the drinks of the 70's, Spéciale is also a great ingredient in a gin and bitter lemon on those long hot days when you want something zingy and refreshing, garnish with a little lime peel, and add a couple of drops of Belfleur elderflower liqueur if you want to gently soften the citrussy explosion!
Country: Belgium
Region: Lion d’Orweg -
Producer: Hand Crafted Belgian Gin
Allergens: Not known
Bottle size: 50cl
abv: 41.4%
Distillery Information
The history of Gin starts in the Low Countries (Belgium) in the 15th century.
To find where ‘gin’ comes from we need first to find the origins of genever/jenever, the prototype combination of grain spirit and juniper berries and other botanicals. According to the National Jenever Museum of Belgium it was first produced in Flanders in the 13th century. At this time, this area was part of the Low Countries that also included what is now Holland, bits of Northern France and Luxemburg.
Originally used as a medicinal tonic or a herbal medicine, it wasn’t long before genever was being drunk for pleasure. Again the transition lacks precise dates and written records but one source of information is the numerous records of taxation levied on distilleries throughout the Low Countries from the late 15th century onwards.
The first recorded mention of genever as a distilled beverage flavored with juniper and botanicals was in 1552, in a book called Een Constelijck Distileerboec by Antwerp-
The English first met genever during the Eighty Years War (1568-
The origin of gin can be traced back to Belgium, Brugge with the first published recipe of a spirit made with juniper berries (the main ingredient in gin). Belgin's artisanal Belgian gins are the result of 500 years of Belgian distilling history since giving birth to gin, Belgian's rich spice trade going back to medieval times and the craftmanship from Belgium's famous beer and culinary history. Belgin continues the story of gin with unique new flavours such as Fresh Hop and brings a new level of gin quality back to the country that started it all.
To be legally classified as a gin, the primary flavour influence in the finished spirit has to be juniper, and Belgin source their hand-
The company philosophy is to only use natural ingredients, and to extract their flavours by treating every component individually. No artificial colours, synthetic concentrates or sweeteners are used in the process -
Certain botanicals are distilled separately and others in groups. In addition, fresh herbs or fruits are macerated for extra fresh flavours. The European definition does not allow these innovative techniques in a London DryGin.
Is this better than a London Dry?
Spéciale, which shares many of its botanicals with its sibling, but the final balance is definitely more citrus driven. Orange, lime, lemon and Italian bergamot combine to keep the flavours fresh, with coriander, cardamom and caraway seeds adding a particularly aromatic feel to this gin.
( All of the botanicals used Juniper -
Some fresh hops are added to this expression as it helps to give the finish a little edge, and helps to balance the final product for an exquisite cocktail experience.
Spéciale is bottled at a slightly stronger than the norm at 41.4%, particularly important when you're trying to ensure that none of those light delicate flavours escape the mixture because there is insufficient alcoholic strength to 'fix' them into the gin.
St Cruyts Abbey Dry Gin Cellars: £29.50
NOSE: Perfume, citrus, lavender lots happening
PALATE: Soft, creamy prounouced lavender, juniper, citrus, lemon, A lot is happening
FINISH: Clean, fresh and very very long
THE IDEAL SERVE
Can you taste every one of the 5o botanicals?
Pour into a glass 50cl a couple of ice cubes, let your brain wander through an array of flavours that will leave you wondering if you'll ever find a gin that is more complete...
Country: Belgium
Region: Lion d’Orweg -
Producer: Hand Crafted Belgian Gin
Allergens: Not known
Bottle size: 50cl
abv: 43.0%
Distillery Information
The history of Gin starts in the Low Countries (Belgium) in the 15th century.
To find where ‘gin’ comes from we need first to find the origins of genever/jenever, the prototype combination of grain spirit and juniper berries and other botanicals. According to the National Jenever Museum of Belgium it was first produced in Flanders in the 13th century. At this time, this area was part of the Low Countries that also included what is now Holland, bits of Northern France and Luxemburg.
Originally used as a medicinal tonic or a herbal medicine, it wasn’t long before genever was being drunk for pleasure. Again the transition lacks precise dates and written records but one source of information is the numerous records of taxation levied on distilleries throughout the Low Countries from the late 15th century onwards.
The first recorded mention of genever as a distilled beverage flavored with juniper and botanicals was in 1552, in a book called Een Constelijck Distileerboec by Antwerp-
The English first met genever during the Eighty Years War (1568-
The origin of gin can be traced back to Belgium, Brugge with the first published recipe of a spirit made with juniper berries (the main ingredient in gin). Belgin's artisanal Belgian gins are the result of 500 years of Belgian distilling history since giving birth to gin, Belgian's rich spice trade going back to medieval times and the craftmanship from Belgium's famous beer and culinary history. Belgin continues the story of gin with unique new flavours such as Fresh Hop and brings a new level of gin quality back to the country that started it all.
To be legally classified as a gin, the primary flavour influence in the finished spirit has to be juniper, and Belgin source their hand-
The company philosophy is to only use natural ingredients, and to extract their flavours by treating every component individually. No artificial colours, synthetic concentrates or sweeteners are used in the process -
Certain botanicals are distilled separately and others in groups. In addition, fresh herbs or fruits are macerated for extra fresh flavours. The European definition does not allow these innovative techniques in a London Dry.Gin
Is this better than a London Dry?
In a world where it feels as though every possible botanical has been added to juniper in a bid to make a new 'wonder-
The earliest records of juniper flavoured drinks go all the way back to the 13th century, and a Belgian reference book called Der Naturen Bloeme. At this time it is difficult to definitively say whether this proves that gin (or genever as it was originally known) was invented in Belgium, but it seems likely that they were among the very first distillers.
As with many alcoholic liquors, the earliest producers were almost certainly monks and members of religious orders, as their status and the power of the church and monasteries would keep them protected from local marauders.
Additionally, the monks would often travel to far off lands as missionaries, and would return with exotic seeds and herbs to add to their own monastic gardens, giving rise to ever more complex creations.
St. Cruyt is a tribute from the master distiller to those who made the first gins, and we like to think that you can taste every single one of the 50 botanicals that make this a truly sensational gin.