Exploring various gins I haven't had, this is a budget option that's pushed hard at Total Wine. Let's see what's going on here. Tasted neat from a copita sbs with Beefeater as the control. On the nose I get the bitter chemical scent of crushed aspirin, ethanol, floral elements and some juniper/pine at the end. Overall I'd say the nose isn't anything special and is more likely a liability than an asset. In comparison the Beefeater has a far more prominent juniper note, clean pine, ethanol and a sharp element that reads as sweet but is otherwise too muted to identify. On the palate the Greenall is soft, reminding me more of bad vodka than good gin. There's some juniper and vegetal notes but they are shy and cloaked by the overall "manufactured" personality of the gin. It's not bad per se, but definitely isn't anything I need to taste neat again. It tastes like cheap, weak gin - full stop. The Beefeater continues to dominate with a much bolder profile, stronger juniper, easily identified citrus elements, some slight mintiness, all followed by a fast fade through black pepper to a slightly chemical finish. Okay, neither of these is a neat sipper although the Beefeater is far less objectionable. How about mixed into a cocktail? I tried Martinis (my favorite) made 3:1 gin to Dolin Dry vermouth, 2 dashes of saline and a dash of orange bitters. Served up, no garnish The Beefeater is the clear winner but the J & G Greenall put up a much better showing here. I can see how some might even prefer the muted gin profile that is more of a partner with the vermouth. Not bad at all, but not a stand out either. It's soft but likes to work with the vermouth and was brightened by a twist. I wouldn't object to this martini at a restaurant, but again I think the Beefeater has both more personality and more developed flavor. Pricing isn't a big challenge. The J & G Greenall at about $15 for a 750ml bottle (when on sale) is about 15% less than the Beefeater, but otherwise they sell for an identical $17.99 per 750ml bottle. It's really no contest. I'll take the Beefeater.
About this bottle
G & J Greenall, based in Warrington, England, have been producing gin since 1761, making it the oldest gin distillery in England. Originally founded by Thomas Dakin, considered the forefather to English gin, the distillery eventually came under the ownership of Edward Greenall, who named the distillery after his younger brothers, Gilbert and John. In 2011, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its founding, the distillery released their own version of a London Dry gin. Although the exact recipe of this gin remains a closely guarded secret of the distillery, it's known that eight botanicals are used, including juniper, angelica, lemon peel and coriander. The botanicals are rested in the neutral grain spirit before being distilled and bottled at 37.5% ABV.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 16 parsed reviews.
Today, I'm feeling a sense of relief. I'm not sure if it's a reflection of a calmer political landscape or the fact that the weekend is almost upon us, but I'll happily take it. Feeling adventurous, I wanted to try something I've not yet had before: Greenall's London Dry Gin. I was excited after reading into their history: they have only had 7 master distillers in ~260 years! Greenall's has a faint nose. It's a touch astringent with a whisper of juniper. Sipping neat, I notice that this gin does not have much body. Amist juniper, there's a touch of coriander, general citrus and spicy pepper at the top of my tongue that zips quickly down to my stomach. The finish is relatively quick. It does have some of the dryness that I'd expect in this style of gin without harshness. Greenall's would definitely be a "mixing" gin versus a "sipping" one. It's not remarkable but the flavour is not off putting either. I do think this gin would get lost in a spirit- forward cocktail to the chagrin of gin lovers. I wish it was more aromatic and substantial like many other gins on the market, but if you're looking for an inexpensive "clean" tasting gin, this could be fair choice. 5.5/10
A crisp, London Dry Gin by Joanne Moore, Head Distiller for G&J Distillers in Warrington. England crafted with a blend of eight botanicals. It has an aromatic birth with notes of fruits, flowers, roots, seeds, herbs & spices; while a crisp life adds notes of juniper, citrus, coriander & angelica root; that led to a dry & balanced death of medium length. August 2023
Mild, smooth and unoffensive for a gin, but with a disappointingly fragile flavour profile that is overshadowed or diluted to almost nothing by any mixer - even soda water, not to mention tonic water. It would have been much wiser of them to release a stronger bottling.
Light and simple with juniper and the gentle bitterness and citrus of lemon peel. I haven't delved into gin in a little while so I don't have another classic London Dry to compare it to. It tastes like a more refined Beefeater. It's good. $26 in Ontario.
This is a solid mixing gin, but to drink straight or on the rocks is a bit bland. astringent and dry, the main note is juniper followed by lemon peel, hints of coriander and black pepper. Nothing out of the ordinary but not undrinkable.
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