First Impressions
Whitley Neill Quince Gin uses the distinctive quince — a fruit related to apples and pears but with a unique aromatic, slightly perfumed character — as its signature botanical. The result is deceptively strong at 43% ABV, with smoothness and sweetness that suggests a much lower-ABV spirit.
Tasting
The nose presents quince with Honeycrisp apple, soft Bartlett pear, and spiced juniper. On the palate, syrupy sweetness with canned pear quality and tart citrus, slight green juniper mid-palate, with distinctive quince alongside apricot and peach. The finish is long and sweet with pear syrup and candy notes. Best paired with less-sweet tonic to balance the sweetness.
The Bottom Line
Whitley Neill Quince earns a 6.5 — more quince-flavoured sweetened gin than gin with quince. The fruit character is genuine and appealing, and the 43% provides hidden backbone. At around £22, accessible and crowd-pleasing for quince lovers.
