Boodles has been a long-term friend of mine. I've had this as my "go to" martini gin for at least 3 decades. It's the only way I drink it (the Boodles, not the martini) - mixed 3:1 with (typically) Dolan's or Noilly Pratt (sometimes Martini & Rossi, but that's my least favorite) Today I'm drinking a martini up with Nolan's, garnished with an olive. This has a bracing freshness, juniper forward, somewhat briny (no, I didn't make this "dirty") and with subtle sweet notes in the tail. Boodles is a solid gin that makes for a classic martini in proportions of 3:1 and higher. I like this is in a classic Direct Martini when I want something that gets the job done in one step, using freezer gin, a frozen Nick & Nora, and just a few drops of vermouth on the top (chilled, of course) and garnished with a lemon zest. Boodles isn't the best gin I've ever had, but I'll take it over many other mainstream brands such as Tanqueray, Fords, Gordon's, etc... I think I like it better than Beefeater, and maybe as much as Bombay Sapphire - but it doesn't rise quite to the level of The Botanist or Sipsmith.
About this bottle
Boodles Gin is named after the Boodle's Gentlemen's Club in St. James, London and founded by Edward Boodle in 1762. Said to be the favorite gin of British prime minister Winston Churchill, its production today is still based on the original recipe created in 1845. Distilled from grain (wheat), its nine botanical blend includes juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, angelica seed, cassia bark, caraway seeds, nutmeg, rosemary, and sage. Initially only available in US and Japanese markets prior to October 2013, it is now also sold in the UK where it is made.
How it tastes
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Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 38 parsed reviews.
Summarize: It's not outright bad, but it's not good either. No nose to speak of, even after sitting for a few minutes covered in a glass. Very smooth mouthfeel that quickly turns dry and acerbic. The company says there're botanicals here, and after much (much) work, I can find just the barest intimation of juniper and coriander. This is more akin to lightly flavored vodka than gin. Finish is short and dry, leaving no aftertaste. Again; vodka-like. I don't know what drink would be better made with this citrus-free, lightly-flavored gin than with basic Tanqueray or Beefeaters, unless, of course, you're allergic to anything even remotely approaching citrus. Or flavor.
I finally had the chance to get a bottle of the fine Gin. I agree with Tango that it is great straight or mixed. I have made really good Gin and Tonics with this but I am out of vermouth so I will review the article again. This is a solid juniper-forward London Dry Gin with a clean crisp finish. I like it and will try to keep it in my regular rotation but there are so many Gins on the market that it will be tough. I recommend this Gin very highly. After several bottles, I still believe this is an outstanding value for the quality that you get.
This is for the 45.2% ABV bottling. Aromas of juniper, coriander, potting soil, sage, and rosemary. Relatively full-bodied, oily mouthfeel. Juniper, coriander, potting soil, and sage return on the palate, along with nutmeg and a rosy floral character. Long, smooth finish. 3.25/5.00 – Quite Good (neat)
In a 3:1 martini with Dolin vermouth, this has been my "go to" for years. It's a sweet gin with a nice juniper dose that doesn't work as well with tonic (for me) but it makes for a solid gin-forward cocktail. Good value, I like it better than Tanqueray in anything but a highball.
A very earthy Juniper forward Gin that is awesome for spirit forward cocktails like Martinis, Martinez, and Alaska. The omission of citrus really brings the other elements forward. It is cheap so I’m guessing it is a compound Gin but still great value for the flavor
32 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
Tastes like this
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