There's something genuinely exciting about a gin that declares its point of difference right there on the label. Jindea Single Estate Tea Gin is built around a concept that immediately piques my curiosity — the marriage of single estate tea with the botanical backbone of a London Dry. At 40% ABV and £35.95, it sits in that sweet spot where you expect craft and intention, and the "single estate" descriptor suggests a producer who cares deeply about provenance and terroir.
Style & Character
What fascinates me about tea-forward gins is the way tea leaves interact with juniper during distillation. Tea brings tannin structure — that gentle, drying grip you get on the palate — alongside a spectrum of floral and vegetal notes that can range from delicate jasmine-like aromatics to deeper, more oxidised maltiness, depending on the variety used. The fact that Jindea specifies "single estate" tells me they're treating the tea component with the same reverence a single malt distillery treats its barley. That's craftsmanship I can get behind.
As a London Dry, the juniper must still lead, but I'd expect the tea to weave through beautifully, adding complexity and a lovely textural quality that sets it apart from more conventional expressions. It's a gin that rewards attention — one to sip slowly and consider.
Best Served
I'd reach for this in a Bee's Knees — the honey syrup would complement the tea's natural sweetness while the lemon juice lifts those lighter aromatics. Use two parts gin, one part fresh lemon, three-quarters part honey syrup, shake hard over plenty of ice, and fine-strain into a chilled coupe. A lemon twist expressed over the surface is all the garnish you need.
At 7.7 out of 10, Jindea earns its score through sheer concept and ambition. A tea gin done with this level of single-estate focus deserves your attention.
