First Impressions
Pickering's Gin carries one of the more charming origin stories in the gin world. The recipe was handwritten on a fragment of paper dated 17 July 1947, a Bombay recipe kept as a family secret for over 66 years before it was finally brought to life at Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh — the city's first dedicated gin distillery in over 150 years. The Summerhall site itself has history: it was formerly the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies, and the distillery sits within its atmospheric grounds.
Nine botanicals, a 42% ABV, and a recipe with genuine provenance — Pickering's launched into a Scottish gin market that was growing rapidly, and it quickly established itself as one of the most reliably excellent gins north of the border.
The Distillery
Summerhall Distillery operates within the Summerhall arts complex in Edinburgh, and the distilling team uses the 1947 recipe with nine botanicals: juniper, lemon, lime, coriander, anise, angelica, cardamom, clove, and fennel. The inclusion of both anise and fennel gives the gin an aromatic, slightly liquorice-like dimension that distinguishes it from the more citrus-heavy Scottish gins. The recipe's Bombay origins are reflected in the spice-forward character — cardamom and clove providing the warmth that a tropical climate would have demanded.
Tasting
The nose is confident and lively. Juniper leads without hesitation, effortlessly uplifting powerful zesty citrus notes — lemon and lime both making themselves heard. Blushing sweet spices arrive and nestle underneath the citrus, with a slightly herbaceous tickle that keeps the nose interesting. There is an emphasis on coriander — warm, fragrant, and slightly peppery — that gives the nose a spiced character beyond what the juniper and citrus alone would provide.
On the palate, dominant, piney juniper berries jump out up-front — this is a gin that is not shy about its primary botanical. A smooth citrus burst sweeps in from behind, and as the palate develops, there are hints of violet, lemon, black peppercorn, and fennel with considerable depth. The impression is of a fresh pine forest on a lemon-scented morning. The mouthfeel is satisfyingly full-bodied, and the 42% ABV provides excellent support for the botanical complexity.
The finish is where the 1947 recipe shows its true sophistication. It is dry, with persistent juniper that never wavers, and sumptuous spice — anise and cardamom developing together — creates a warm, aromatic conclusion. There is a subtle earthy hint of fennel, and residual notes of clover oil add an unusual, almost tea-like quality. The finish has the length and complexity that mark a genuinely well-constructed gin.
How to Drink It
Pickering's makes a superb G&T — use Fever-Tree Indian Tonic and garnish with a slice of red grapefruit, which the distillery recommends. The citrus in the garnish draws out the lime and lemon botanicals, while the tonic's quinine bitterness stands up to the bold juniper. It also makes an excellent Negroni, where the spice character adds warmth and complexity to the classic combination.
In a Martini, the 42% ABV and assertive juniper create a drink of real conviction. The fennel and anise notes add an aromatic dimension that makes a Pickering's Martini subtly different from the London standard.
The Bottom Line
Pickering's earns an 8 for bringing a 1947 recipe to life with skill, conviction, and the spice-forward character that the Bombay origins demand. The nine botanicals are expertly balanced, the juniper leads with proper authority, and the warming spices — cardamom, clove, anise, fennel — give it a personality that is distinctly its own. At around £27, the price is remarkably fair for a gin of this quality and provenance. Edinburgh's first gin distillery in over 150 years has produced something that the city — and the 1947 recipe writer — can be genuinely proud of.
