Malfy Originale is the baseline expression from the Malfy range — a London Dry built to showcase Italian character rather than follow the juniper-forward British playbook to the letter. At 41% ABV, it sits at a comfortable drinking strength that keeps things approachable without sacrificing presence in a mixed drink.
Style & Character
As a London Dry, Originale has to meet strict production standards — no artificial flavours, no post-distillation additions beyond water. That's a good foundation. Where Malfy tends to distinguish itself as a brand is through its Italian identity, and the Originale is the purest expression of that philosophy. Think of it as the clean canvas before the flavoured variants add their citrus overlays.
At this price point — around £32 — you're in a competitive bracket. There are excellent London Drys fighting for shelf space here, so Malfy needs its Mediterranean angle to cut through. It largely succeeds. The 41% ABV is slightly below the craft standard of 43–47% that many enthusiasts prefer, and I'd be curious to see what an extra couple of points of strength would bring to the botanical delivery. That said, it makes for an easy-drinking G&T base that doesn't overwhelm.
Best Served
Pour over ice in a copa glass with a premium Indian tonic, then garnish with a thin slice of pink grapefruit and a sprig of fresh rosemary. If you're feeling adventurous, try it in a Negroni Sbagliato — swap the gin in for a half measure alongside prosecco, and add a dash of yuzu juice. The Italian-meets-Japanese crossover works surprisingly well.
A solid, well-made London Dry that earns its place as a dependable everyday pour. It doesn't quite have the botanical complexity to push into the upper tier, but for a clean, versatile gin with genuine character, 7.7 out of 10 feels right.
