First Impressions
Hastings 1066 Gin takes its name from the most consequential date in English history — the Norman conquest of 1066 that transformed the country forever. The gin, from Haswell & Hastings in Sussex, is a rather more peaceful endeavour, combining classic London Dry botanicals with a tangy gooseberry twist that gives it a distinctly English character. Gooseberry in gin is unusual, and its inclusion signals a gin with the confidence to be different.
The Distillery
Haswell & Hastings produces this gin in Hastings, Sussex, using a botanical bill that blends the classic and the unusual: juniper, coriander, angelica, savory, and grains of paradise form the traditional foundation, lemon, orange, and liquorice root add citrus and sweetness, and tangy gooseberry provides the distinctive final twist. The combination is designed to be both recognisably London Dry and distinctly Hastings.
Tasting
The nose is truly balanced — juniper, coriander, and angelica root presenting themselves in classic proportion. It is clean and traditional, giving little hint of the gooseberry surprise to come.
On the palate, tart, tangy gooseberry arrives alongside piney juniper — an unusual and engaging combination. Fragrant citrus provides brightness, and lingering liquorice sweetness adds depth. The gooseberry is the star, contributing a distinctive sweet-tart fruitiness that is unmistakably English. Grains of paradise add warmth, and savory contributes an herbal note. At 43%, the body is well-judged for the botanical complexity.
The finish delivers a burst of sweet berries — refreshing, uplifting, and genuinely moreish. The gooseberry persists, leaving you wanting more.
How to Drink It
In a G&T, use Indian tonic and garnish with a slice of orange and a sprig of rosemary — as the brand recommends. The gooseberry character creates a unique G&T that stands apart from citrus-forward competitors. It also makes an interesting Gimlet, where the gooseberry's tartness harmonises with the lime.
The Bottom Line
Hastings 1066 earns a 7 for introducing tangy gooseberry to the London Dry framework with confidence and success. The gooseberry is the gin's defining characteristic — tart, sweet, and uniquely English — and it works beautifully alongside the classic botanical foundation. The liquorice depth adds complexity, and the result is a gin that is both traditional and distinctive. At around £38, the Sussex provenance and the gooseberry innovation justify the price. A gin that commemorates 1066 with rather more charm than the original battle.
