First Impressions
Palmers London Dry Gin was launched to celebrate the Palmer family's 200th year at Langley Distillery in Birmingham. The gin is made in 'Angela' — a 1,000-litre still from 1903, named after Angela Palmer, great-granddaughter of the company's founder. It is a gin that embodies two centuries of distilling heritage, produced in equipment that is itself over a century old.
The Distillery
Langley Distillery uses seven botanicals for Palmers — juniper, coriander, angelica, cassia, liquorice, orris, and grapefruit — steeped overnight in 100% English wheat spirit while being gently warmed. The overnight maceration allows the botanicals to release their essential oils gradually, and the 1903 still adds a historical dimension to the production. At 44%, the gin has the strength to carry its botanical bill.
Tasting
The nose presents juniper in abundance, blending with coriander seed and a subtle dryness complemented by sweetness from orris root. The balance is well-judged.
On the palate, spice and citrus notes follow from the cassia bark and grapefruit. Juniper lingers into the earth tones of angelica, and coriander's dryness finishes with further citrus tones. The seven botanicals are well-integrated, and the overnight maceration contributes a richness of extraction.
The finish is clean, fresh, and lightly balanced, with pleasant citrus and dry notes in the background.
How to Drink It
In a G&T with Indian tonic and a slice of grapefruit — connecting with the citrus botanical. The 44% strength makes it an effective Martini gin.
The Bottom Line
Palmers earns a 7.5 for combining 200 years of heritage with a seven-botanical bill that is classically composed and well-executed. The 1903 still adds genuine provenance, and the overnight maceration produces a gin of rich extraction. At around £30, the heritage and quality represent excellent value. Two centuries of distilling, in one bottle.
