There's a particular thrill in handling a bottle that predates most of the craft gin movement by half a century. Bols Silver Top Gin, bottled in the 1970s, is a London Dry from an era when the category meant something far more specific — and far less crowded — than it does today. Bols, of course, is one of the oldest distilling names in the world, with roots stretching back to 1575 in Amsterdam. By the time this bottle was filled, the house had centuries of genever and gin production behind it, and the Silver Top line represented their mainstream London Dry offering for international markets.
A Window Into 1970s Gin
What makes a bottle like this compelling isn't nostalgia — it's context. This is gin from a period when the spirit was primarily a mixing ingredient, when the juniper-forward London Dry template was essentially the only game in town, and when brands competed on consistency and value rather than exotic botanical lists. At 40% ABV, this sits at the standard strength for the era, designed to perform reliably in a Martini or a G&T without overwhelming the serve.
The Bols name carried genuine weight in the trade during this period. Their distribution network was formidable, and the Silver Top was a staple behind bars across Europe. At a current market price of £135.00, you're paying for provenance and rarity rather than liquid alone — though well-stored bottles from this era can offer fascinating insight into how gin flavour profiles have shifted over the decades.
I'd rate this 7.9 out of 10 — a strong score that reflects both historical significance and the quality Bols was capable of delivering at scale. It loses a fraction simply because, without confirmed botanical details, the full story remains incomplete.
Best served: If you're brave enough to open it, a classic dry Martini with a lemon twist is the only honest serve — the way bartenders of that decade would have used it.
