
Whitley Neill Handcrafted Dry Gin
Whitley Neill · City of London Distillery
Whitley Neill's core expression is a proper London Dry that respects juniper without being one-dimensional. The interplay between African-sourced botanicals and classic gin architecture makes it versatile behind the bar and genuinely enjoyable neat. Outstanding value at the price point.
Nose
Assertive juniper leads with pine and a waxy, resinous quality. Behind it, coriander seed and a distinctive citrus oil lift, with angelica root providing earthy depth. A faint peppery note and cassia bark warmth add intrigue.
Palate
Medium-bodied and well-balanced, with juniper remaining the structural pillar throughout. Grapefruit peel adds a bitter-bright accent, while nutmeg and cassia bark contribute a warming spice layer. The finish of each sip carries a lightly floral, almost violet-like quality.
Finish
Medium, with lingering juniper resin, dry angelica, and a clean peppery close.
- Style
- London Dry
- Botanicals
- Juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, cassia bark, nutmeg, cape gooseberry, baobab fruit, grapefruit peel, lemon peel, orris root
- Base Spirit
- Grain neutral spirit
- Distillation
- Pot distilled in small batches
Cocktail Suggestion
Smoke Signal Gimlet — 2 oz Whitley Neill Handcrafted Dry Gin · 0.75 oz fresh lime juice · 0.5 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup · Shake with ice, strain into a chilled coupe, garnish with a torched rosemary sprig.
Food Pairing
Chargrilled tiger prawns brushed with harissa butter, served with a citrus and fennel salad that highlights the gin's grapefruit and spice botanicals.
Created by Johnny Neill, an eighth-generation distiller, who blends his family's English distilling heritage with botanicals sourced from his grandmother's South African homeland.
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