The London No. 1 Original Blue Gin (75cl, 47%)

The London No. 1 is a pale blue gin from Thames Distillers in London, quadruple-distilled with 12 botanicals, over 60% of them Dalmatian juniper. After distillation it is finished with French gardenia extract, which gives the aquamarine colour, and Italian bergamot oil. It is rested for three weeks before bottling and is classed as a distilled gin rather than a London dry gin. Juniper leads on the nose with lemon peel, eucalyptus and an Earl Grey-like bergamot note. The palate is soft, with lavender, bergamot, orange, lemongrass, cardamom spice and a gentle liquorice sweetness. The finish is long and refreshing, ending on a lightly bitter, peppery note.