First Impressions
Copperhead was created in summer 2013 by Yvan Vindevogel — a Belgian pharmacist who discovered an interesting link between gin's 17th-century medicinal origins and his own profession. He named the gin for Mr. Copperhead, a fictional alchemist searching for the elixir of life. The recipe is deliberately minimalist: just five botanicals, each chosen with a pharmacist's precision. Gold at the 2016 Gin Masters in the London Dry category.
Tasting
Five botanicals: juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, cardamom, and orange peel. The nose is sweet with citrus and prominent cardamom. On the palate at 40%, juniper and cardamom compete for first place — a real hit of both. Angelica provides earthy depth, coriander adds warmth, orange peel brightness. Five botanicals, each speaking clearly. The finish is juniper-lasting with persistent cardamom warmth.
The Bottom Line
Copperhead earns an 8 — the pharmacist's training is evident in the precision of the recipe. Five botanicals, no waste, no hiding. The juniper-cardamom duel is the signature: they fight each other throughout and both win. Gold at the Gin Masters confirms the quality. Best in a G&T where the cardamom blooms, or in a Negroni. At £36, a Belgian gin where alchemy becomes reality. The elixir of life, perhaps.
