First Impressions
Black Cat's Cumbrian No.4 — nicknamed Father Whiskers — is the festive expression from Penrith's newest distillery. A London Dry base infused with the botanicals of Christmas: cinnamon, nutmeg, clementines, liquorice, vanilla, and ginger. The result is a gin that captures the warming character of a Lake District Christmas without becoming a novelty spirit.
Tasting
Festive botanicals: cinnamon, nutmeg, clementine, liquorice, vanilla, and ginger alongside juniper. The nose is spiced vanilla richness with gingerbread warmth and tangy sweet clementine. On the palate at 43%, warm winter notes — gingerbread and sweet orange, cinnamon warmth, nutmeg depth, liquorice smoothing the spices. Juniper maintains gin identity. The finish is sweet cinnamon — warming and festive.
The Bottom Line
Black Cat Father Whiskers earns a 7 — a Christmas gin that avoids the novelty trap through quality distillation and genuine botanical skill. The gingerbread character is the standout: warm, sweet, and inviting without becoming a dessert. Best with Indian tonic and a cinnamon stick, or in a Hot Toddy-style serve on a cold Lake District evening. At £38, a festive Cumbrian gin with warmth and character.
