Whitley Neill Original London Dry Gin
Whitley Neill · Whitley Neill Distillery (City of London Distillery)
Whitley Neill built this gin around two African botanicals — baobab and Cape gooseberry — alongside a classic London Dry backbone. The result is a gin that reads as traditional on the surface but has a rounder, more textured mid-palate than expected. The blend of twelve botanicals works because each earns its place in the ratio.
Nose
Juniper and citrus peel lead, with coriander seed warmth and a floral, almost violet-like softness. Underneath sits a trace of cassia bark and earthy angelica root.
Palate
The juniper is front-loaded but quickly makes room for sweet lemon peel, a peppery bite, and a baobab-driven creaminess that distinguishes this from standard London Drys. Mid-palate delivers subtle ginger warmth.
Finish
Medium, drying on juniper and cassia with a lingering lemon brightness.
- Style
- London Dry
- Botanicals
- Juniper, coriander, cassia bark, angelica root, lemon peel, orange peel, orris root, liquorice, baobab fruit, Cape gooseberry, and others
- Base Spirit
- Grain neutral spirit
- Distillation
- Pot distilled in a copper still
Cocktail Suggestion
African Sunset G&T — 2 oz Whitley Neill Original · 4 oz premium tonic water · Build over ice in a Copa glass, garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary.
Food Pairing
Lemon-herb roasted chicken with grilled asparagus
Created by Johnny Neill, an eighth-generation descendant of the Greenall's distilling dynasty, Whitley Neill incorporates African botanicals discovered during his travels to honor his wife's South African heritage.
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