First Impressions
Rutte Celery Dry Gin is one of the most unusual gins in production — and one of the most historically grounded. The Rutte & Son Distillery in Dordrecht, Netherlands, has been operating since 1872, and the celery gin was inspired by an original recipe from the 1800s for their highly regarded Old Simon genever, which used celery as one of its botanicals. The decision to revive celery as a gin botanical in the modern era was an act of historical reclamation, and the result is a gin that is savoury, rich, and utterly distinctive.
The Distillery
Rutte & Son still distils in the same back room that founder Simon Rutte used in 1872. The Celery Gin uses natural celery alongside juniper, coriander, angelica, orange peel, and cardamom. The celery is the most prominent supporting botanical, and its integration with the traditional gin ingredients is the gin's most impressive achievement.
Tasting
The nose is soft and rounded, with a big hit of rich, savoury celery. Freshly cut celery, flat-leaf parsley, faint cashew nuttiness, and root ginger create an aromatic profile that is unique in gin. The spice and earthiness come to the fore with coriander, angelica, and orris surrounded by delicate, sweet citrus.
On the palate, the celery is beautifully integrated — mingling with the coriander to provide a rich, softly spicy centre. Citrus oil and sappy juniper provide a contrasting sharpness that prevents the savoury character from becoming heavy. The balance is exceptional: the celery is prominent but the gin never forgets it is juniper first.
The finish is a balanced mix of citrus and spice, with meaty celery notes lingering after the rest has faded. The celery's persistence on the finish is the gin's most distinctive quality.
How to Drink It
The savoury character makes this an outstanding Dirty Martini gin — the celery and olive brine are natural partners. In a G&T, garnish with a celery stick and a twist of lemon. It also makes a superb Bloody Mary component.
The Bottom Line
Rutte Celery earns an 8 for reviving an 1800s recipe with skill and conviction. The celery is a genuine point of distinction — savoury, meaty, and beautifully integrated — and the 150+ year distilling heritage ensures the gin foundation is impeccable. At around £35, the Dutch heritage and unique botanical character justify the price. A gin from Dordrecht that no other distillery has replicated — or could.
