First Impressions
Black Powder Gin Company is a family-run distillery in Preston, Lancashire, founded by the Thompson family. They produce a range of gins using only natural ingredients — no artificial flavours, colourings, or preservatives. The Amalfi Lemon expression uses lemons from Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast, where volcanic soil, year-round warmth, and perfect rainfall produce lemons of unique character — less acidic than ordinary lemons, with more fragrant oils and a sweeter, more aromatic flavour.
The Distillery
Black Powder operates in Preston, Lancashire, and the Amalfi Lemon gin combines the distinctive Italian citrus with a juniper-led gin base. The Amalfi lemon's unique growing conditions — volcanic soil, Mediterranean climate — produce a fruit that is genuinely different from the lemons used in most gins, and that difference is evident in the final spirit.
Tasting
The nose is bright with fragrant Amalfi lemon — noticeably less acidic and more perfumed than standard lemon. The aromatic character of the Amalfi fruit is immediately evident, providing a sweeter, more complex citrus experience.
On the palate, juicy lemon notes meet a subtle vanilla undertone that rounds the flavour profile. Piney juniper provides the gin backbone, and a touch of coriander adds warmth. The Amalfi lemon's sweeter, more aromatic character distinguishes this from standard lemon gins — it is mouthwatering and refreshing without the sharp acidity.
The finish is refreshing with citrus persistence and vanilla warmth lingering gently.
How to Drink It
In a G&T with Indian tonic and a wheel of lemon — the Amalfi character creates a more perfumed, sophisticated lemon G&T than standard citrus gins can manage. Also excellent as a Limoncello-style serve, chilled and neat.
The Bottom Line
Black Powder Amalfi Lemon earns a 7 for delivering genuine Amalfi character in a Lancashire-distilled gin. The volcanic soil-grown lemons create a citrus experience that is measurably different from standard lemon gins, and the natural-ingredient commitment adds integrity. At around £37, the Amalfi sourcing justifies the price, and the vanilla undertone adds a sophisticated touch. Italian sunshine from a Lancashire distillery.
