Brockmans Intensely Smooth Premium Gin
Brockmans Gin Ltd. · G&J Distillery, Warrington, England
Brockmans asked a question the gin world wasn't asking: what happens when you build a botanical bill around dark berries instead of amplifying juniper? The answer divided purists — some argued it wasn't really gin — but the market voted with its wallet. The blueberries and blackberries create a textural smoothness and a berry-forward aromatic profile that no other gin had attempted at this scale. Critically, it still works as gin: the juniper is there, the botanical complexity is there, the spirit is dry. Brockmans proved you could expand the definition without breaking it.
Nose
Dark berries emerge immediately — blueberry and blackberry — underpinned by soft juniper, coriander, and a gentle citrus brightness from Valencian orange peel.
Palate
Remarkably smooth and round, with the berry botanicals creating a velvety texture. Juniper stays present but restrained, letting cassia bark spice and a subtle floral violet note play supporting roles.
Finish
Medium with lingering dark fruit, a hint of warm spice from the cassia bark, and clean citrus that keeps the finish refreshing rather than heavy.
- Botanicals
- Tuscan juniper, Bulgarian coriander, blueberries, blackberries, Valencian orange peel, lemon peel, cassia bark, angelica root, orris root, almonds, licorice
- Base Spirit
- Neutral grain spirit
- Distillation
- Botanicals steeped for 14 hours, then distilled over 9 hours in century-old copper pot stills
Cocktail Suggestion
Cocktail — The Berry Hypothesis: 2 oz Brockmans, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 3 fresh blackberries. Muddle berries, add remaining ingredients, shake with ice, double-strain into a coupe, garnish with a skewered blueberry and blackberry.
Food Pairing
Pair with: Brie and blackberry crostini drizzled with honey — the gin's berry botanicals echo the fruit while the juniper cuts through the richness of the cheese.
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