First Impressions
That Boutique-y Gin Company is the brainchild of Master of Malt, launched to shake up the gin industry by making it more fun, collaborative, and less stuffy. The hand-illustrated labels, the quirky botanical combinations, and the wilful eccentricity of the range are all designed to challenge the earnest seriousness that dominates craft gin marketing. The Cucamelon Gin is a perfect example: it uses cucamelons — tiny Mexican fruits that look like miniature watermelons and taste like cucumber with a hint of lime — as its signature botanical.
The playfulness of the concept should not disguise the seriousness of the production. Bottled at 46% ABV, this is a gin with genuine body and commitment to quality.
The Distillery
That Boutique-y Gin Company produces its range through various distilling partnerships, with Master of Malt's expertise guiding the botanical selection and blending. The Cucamelon expression uses the small Mexican cucamelon fruit alongside classic gin botanicals — juniper, orange, angelica, coriander, and liquorice — creating a gin that bridges the playful and the traditional.
Tasting
The nose opens with orange oil and neroli — bright and aromatic — with a vegetal hint of cucumber from the cucamelon that segues into juniper-led mid-notes. The cucamelon's contribution is subtle and intriguing rather than dominating.
On the palate, the gin has a strong juniper-led mid-palate that establishes proper gin credentials. Sweet orange zest and lemon rind provide citrus brightness, dusty coriander adds warmth, and liquorice-inspired sweetness gives the palate depth. A distinct angelica backbone provides the earthy structure. The house style — rich, smooth, sweet feel with woody-floral middle notes — is evident and appealing.
The finish is smooth with that signature Boutique-y richness, approachable neat and easy on the tongue.
How to Drink It
The cucamelon character makes this a natural for a G&T with a cucumber garnish — the vegetable connects with the fruit's flavour profile. In cocktails, the neroli and orange notes make it an interesting Negroni base.
The Bottom Line
That Boutique-y Cucamelon Gin earns a 7 for combining playful botanical innovation with genuine distilling quality. The cucamelon is more than a gimmick — it contributes a subtle vegetal character that distinguishes the gin from the pack — and the 46% ABV ensures serious body. At around £30, the hand-illustrated packaging and the fun factor add value. A gin that proves serious distilling doesn't have to take itself too seriously.
