First Impressions
Blacksmiths Rose Gin was born during one long summer of evening G&Ts in the garden. As the sun set, Neil's mind wandered to an old shed and Grandad Willy's botanical recipes. The quest to recreate the family recipe led to Northumberland Spirit Company — born, quite aptly, in a garden shed. The Rose Gin uses genuine rose petals to capture the essence of a perfect British summer's day.
Tasting
The nose is very elegant and precise — rose petals, piney juniper, citrus. On the palate at 40%, perfumed rose petals drift through piney juniper and warming citrus. The genuine rose petal infusion creates a delicate floral character rather than artificial perfume — you can taste the difference between real petals and flavouring. The finish is delicate and smooth with persistent gentle rose and juniper dryness.
The Bottom Line
Blacksmiths Rose earns a 7 — a rose gin with genuine provenance, from a family recipe recreated in a garden shed. The rose petals are real and the restraint is admirable: this is floral without being a perfume counter. Best in a G&T with light tonic and a fresh rose petal or strawberry garnish. At £33, a Northumberland garden in a bottle with a heartwarming family story.
