Thomas Dakin Gin
Thomas Dakin · G&J Distillers
Named for the 18th-century pioneer of English gin distillation, this expression doesn't chase floral trends. It's a juniper-forward gin with enough backbone to stand up in a martini and enough complexity to sip with just tonic and a twist. The kind of no-nonsense spirit that reminds you why classic gins endured.
Nose
Assertive juniper leads immediately, followed by bright lemon zest and a warming undercurrent of coriander seed. A subtle horseradish-like peppery note adds intrigue.
Palate
Bold and structured, with juniper driving through the midpalate alongside orange peel bitterness and a dry angelica root foundation. The spice builds toward ginger warmth, and the mouthfeel carries a slight oiliness that gives it weight.
Finish
Clean and dry, with lingering juniper and a peppery fade. Refreshingly bitter at the tail end.
- Style
- London Dry style
- Botanicals
- Juniper, coriander, angelica root, orange peel, lemon peel, red cole horseradish, liquorice
- Base Spirit
- Neutral grain spirit
- Distillation
- One-shot distillation in a copper pot still
Cocktail Suggestion
Dakin's Dry Martini — 2.5 oz Thomas Dakin Gin · 0.5 oz dry vermouth · 1 dash orange bitters · Stir over ice for 30 seconds, strain into a chilled martini glass, garnish with a lemon twist.
Food Pairing
The gin's juniper backbone and peppery finish cut through the richness of smoked trout rillettes, while the citrus notes complement the traditional caper and cornichon accompaniments.
Produced at G&J Distillers in Warrington — the oldest continuous gin distillery in England — Thomas Dakin honors the man who built the original still there in 1761, using a recipe anchored by red cole horseradish alongside classic botanicals.
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