Ethical Spirits have carved out a distinctive niche in the craft spirits world, and their Cacao Ethique Gin is a compelling expression of that philosophy. Bottled at 46% ABV — a strength I always appreciate, as it gives the botanicals room to breathe without overwhelming the palate — this London Dry sits at an interesting crossroads between tradition and innovation.
Style & Character
The name alone signals intent. Cacao as a defining botanical in a London Dry is a bold choice, one that immediately sets this gin apart from the juniper-and-citrus orthodoxy of the category. London Dry as a designation demands that all flavours are introduced during distillation rather than added afterwards, so any cacao character here has been achieved through the still — a mark of genuine craft. At its price point of £27.75, it represents fair value for a gin with this level of ambition.
The Ethical Spirits Approach
What draws my attention to this producer is the ethos embedded in the name. Sustainability and ethical sourcing are no longer peripheral concerns in the spirits industry; they are central to how the next generation of distillers define quality. That Ethical Spirits have placed this commitment front and centre speaks well of their intentions, and the 46% bottling strength suggests they are serious about delivering substance alongside principle.
Best Served
A gin with cacao influence deserves a serve that lets that character shine. I would reach for a classic G&T with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic and a twist of orange peel — the bitterness of the tonic should complement the roasted depth one expects from cacao, while the citrus lifts the botanicals. A Negroni would also be worth exploring here, where the Campari and sweet vermouth could create a genuinely luxurious combination.
At 7.7 out of 10, this is a gin that earns its place through distinctiveness and intent. It may not suit the purist seeking a textbook London Dry, but for those willing to explore the boundaries of the category, Cacao Ethique offers something genuinely worth discovering.
