Capreolus Blackbird Gin
Capreolus · Capreolus Distillery
Barrie Dyas's meticulous approach to distillation—treating each botanical almost as a separate ingredient to be captured at its peak—results in a gin of remarkable clarity and focus. The Blackbird expression showcases the Cotswolds' foraging tradition while maintaining a classically structured juniper profile. Exceptional in a Martini.
Nose
Fresh juniper pine leads into a cascade of citrus—bright lemon and grapefruit—underpinned by an earthy angelica root note. A gentle floral quality and hint of coriander add complexity.
Palate
Clean and precise, with juniper maintaining a firm backbone throughout. Lemon zest and grapefruit bitterness meet cassia bark warmth and a subtle peppery kick. The texture is silky, with meadowsweet sweetness providing balance.
Finish
Medium and dry, with lingering juniper resin, a flash of ginger warmth, and a clean citrus fade.
- Style
- Contemporary Dry Gin
- Botanicals
- Juniper, angelica root, coriander seed, cassia bark, lemon peel, grapefruit peel, ginger, meadowsweet, black pepper
- Base Spirit
- Neutral grain spirit
- Distillation
- Individual botanical distillation in small copper pot stills, then blended
Cocktail Suggestion
Blackbird Martini — 2.5 oz Capreolus Blackbird Gin · 0.5 oz dry vermouth · Stir with ice until well-chilled, strain into a frozen coupe, garnish with a lemon twist.
Food Pairing
The gin's juniper pine and lemon notes complement the cured salmon's richness, while the peppery finish cuts through the mustard sauce's creaminess.
Barrie Dyas operates Capreolus Distillery from a converted stable in the Cotswolds, where his background in eau de vie production informs a botanical-by-botanical distillation approach that treats gin-making as fine fragrance work.
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