Portobello Road No. 171 Gin (70cl , 42%)

This gin was released by the award-winning Notting Hill bar, Portobello Star, home of the Ginsitute. This is a place where one can learn an awful lot about gin, so you would expect Portobello Road No. 171 to be rather good, and indeed it is. It’s an old-style London Dry Gin, containing traditional botanicals and spices, that harks back to the gins of yesteryear.

• Botanicals: It uses a blend of nine natural botanicals sourced globally, including juniper berries from Tuscany, lemon and bitter orange peels from Spain/Haiti, coriander seed, orris root, angelica root, cassia bark, liquorice root, and nutmeg from Indonesia.
• Flavor Profile: The gin is characterized by a generous “slug” of juniper on the front palate, followed by a fresh citrus character and a sweet, peppery finish from the liquorice and nutmeg.
• ABV: It is bottled at a “punchy” 42% Alcohol by Volume, which helps the robust flavors stand up well in mixed drinks.
• Serving Suggestions: It is often recommended simply with tonic water and a twist of pink grapefruit, or as a key ingredient in classic cocktails like a Martini or Negroni.
• Distillery: While the flagship gin is produced by Thames Distillers under the supervision of an eight-generation distiller, the brand operates its own distillery and “Ginstitute” experience on London’s iconic Portobello Road, where they produce limited editions and other unique spirits. 

• Navy Strength Gin: A higher proof (57.1% ABV) version with added English sea salt for a maritime edge.
• Savoury Gin: Features botanicals like bergamot, rosemary, basil, and green olive for a Mediterranean feel.
• Butter Gin: Made by re-distilling the classic gin with English unsalted butter, giving it a creamy mouthfeel.