First Impressions
Hawkridge Victorian Botanical Blend won Best English London Dry at the 2021 World Gin Awards. The botanicals are all popular in the British Victorian era — lavender, rose petals, wild blackcurrant leaves, lemon verbena, fresh mint and rosemary — smoothed with honey from the distillery's own beehives.
Tasting
The nose delivers earthy anise with a burst of lemon, layers of juniper and coriander developing. On the palate, pine forward and citrus bold — rich in herbs with lovely floral notes, well-balanced forward citrus, fragrant herbs and distillery honey. The finish carries a lasting floral hint with crisp mouthfeel.
The Bottom Line
Hawkridge earns an 8 for bringing Victorian botanical knowledge to modern gin-making. The distillery honey adds genuine sweetness that sugar cannot replicate, and the herb-heavy profile is both aromatic and balanced. Best English London Dry 2021 well earned. Serve with rosemary sprig and lime.
