First Impressions
Hensol Castle Black Gin was inspired by the Master Distiller's love of the classic Bramble cocktail — and the walled gardens of the 17th-century castle provide the black muscat grapes that give this gin its most distinctive character. Black cherries and blackberries complete the dark fruit trio, all layered over the award-winning Hensol Castle London Dry base.
Tasting
The nose is fruity and juniper-driven with dark fruit aromatics. On the palate, black muscat grapes from the castle gardens combine with black cherries and blackberries — expertly balanced bitter-sweet over the London Dry base. The finish is floral with dark fruit persistence — the perfect base for the Bramble cocktail that inspired it.
The Bottom Line
Hensol Castle Black earns a 7 for using castle-grown muscat grapes to create a dark fruit gin of genuine Welsh provenance. The Bramble cocktail inspiration is evident and effective. At around £32, a 17th-century castle garden in every dark sip.
