First Impressions
Griffiths Brothers Distillery produces their No.2 Export Strength at 46% — higher than the standard expression to carry the thirteen botanicals with full intensity. The botanical bill is ambitious: traditional gin ingredients alongside rose petals, rosemary, vanilla, allspice, and dual citrus zest (grapefruit and lime). Cold-distilled, small-batch, award-winning, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free.
Tasting
Thirteen botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica, liquorice, cubeb pepper, grapefruit zest, lime zest, orris root, allspice, fennel, rose petals, rosemary, and vanilla. The nose is complex yet not overwhelming — soft juniper with grapefruit and rose. On the palate at 46%, rich and balanced: grapefruit and lime citrus, herbaceous rosemary, warm allspice, cubeb pepper heat, and vanilla smoothness. The finish is pleasing vanilla with lingering citrus and rosemary.
The Bottom Line
Griffiths Brothers No.2 earns a 7 — a London Dry where the thirteen botanicals achieve genuine harmony. The vanilla is the quiet star, providing a smooth sweetness that ties the citrus and herbs together. The 46% export strength ensures nothing is lost in a G&T. Best with Indian tonic and a grapefruit peel or lime wedge. At £40, a well-crafted export strength gin with a distinctive vanilla signature.
