First Impressions
The Baczewski family established their distillery in the city of Lwów (now Lviv, Ukraine) in 1782. By 1810, they had received the prestigious mark of the Imperial Eagle from the Austrian Empire — the highest quality certification of its era. Baczewski became one of Poland's leading distilleries. Then came 1939: the Luftwaffe bombed the factory during the Battle of Lwów, and after Soviet seizure, the remnants were levelled. After the war, Austrian producer Eduard Gessler acquired the brand and began producing Baczewski spirits at his distillery in Vienna, where they continue today.
Tasting
Seven botanicals — juniper, coriander, aniseed, ginger, dill, orange and lemon peel — distilled from a base spirit triple-distilled from potatoes, a choice that gives this gin an unusually smooth, creamy mouthfeel. The nose is crisp: piney juniper, zesty citrus, delicate floral spice. On the palate, bright lemon and orange zest with classic juniper, a soft lingering blend of ginger and aniseed, and dill adding distinctive herbaceous character. The finish is clean, warm, and lightly spiced. IWSC Gold 2016, World Spirits Award Gold 2014.
The Bottom Line
Baczewski earns an 8 — a gin with extraordinary history and a potato-base spirit that produces a mouthfeel most grain-based gins cannot match. The dill and aniseed provide Eastern European character without dominating the juniper. Two golds from major competitions confirm this is not a heritage curiosity but a genuinely excellent gin. Best in a Martini where the creamy mouthfeel excels, or a classic G&T. At £30, remarkable value for a gin with 240 years of history and double gold-medal quality.
