First Impressions
Capreolus Garden Swift Dry Gin is one of the most mysterious gins in production. Made in Gloucestershire using an impressive 34 botanicals, the distillery reveals only two: fresh Sicilian blood orange zest and lime-tree flowers. The remaining 32 are a closely guarded secret. The name comes from the Garden Swift moth (Hepialus lupulinus), and the gin itself has a complexity and layered character that rewards the kind of patient, contemplative drinking that moth-watching demands.
The Distillery
Capreolus Distillery in Gloucestershire is known for its fruit eau-de-vie as well as its gin, and the eau-de-vie expertise — the ability to capture delicate fruit flavours through careful distillation — is evident in the Garden Swift. The 34-botanical bill is one of the largest in British gin, and the secrecy surrounding most of the ingredients adds an element of intrigue that the liquid entirely supports.
Tasting
The nose features apple, peach, and citrus — the blood orange making its presence felt — followed by softly savoury basil leaf and cinnamon. Resinous pine provides the juniper foundation, with violet and honeysuckle floral hints adding elegance. It is a nose that evolves with every sniff.
On the palate, the gin is mouthfilling and fruity. Zingy orange lifts the base notes of juniper and clove, and additional fruity notes — blueberry and pear among them — create a palate of genuine complexity. The 47% ABV adds weight and punch, and the 34 botanicals reveal themselves over time rather than all at once. It is a gin that rewards slow drinking.
The finish is enjoyably spicy, with juniper and cinnamon balanced by a touch of melon — an unexpected note that adds a fresh, sweet quality. The finish is clean, fruity, and long-lasting.
How to Drink It
In a Martini — the complexity and higher ABV make it ideal for the drink that most rewards botanical depth. In a G&T, the blood orange character responds beautifully to Mediterranean tonic and an orange garnish.
The Bottom Line
Capreolus Garden Swift earns an 8 for creating one of the most complex and intriguing gins in Britain. The 34-botanical bill is ambitious but expertly managed — the layers unfold over time, and the mystery of the secret ingredients adds genuine pleasure to the drinking experience. The eau-de-vie expertise is evident in the delicate fruit handling. At around £45, the Gloucestershire craftsmanship and the 34-botanical complexity justify the premium. A gin for those who enjoy the discovery as much as the drink.
