Fifty Pounds

In the early 18th century, London experienced the beginning of an era known as the "Gin Craze." This period saw gin become extremely popular among the lower classes, attracting numerous bootleggers who peddled gin of dubious quality. To curb this, the government devised a tax of 50 pounds for every gin distiller in 1736 – a plan that proved largely ineffective. After six years, only two companies had paid the tax. Presented in a beautiful vintage gin bottle, Fifty Pounds Gin, produced by Thames Distillers in southeast London, commemorates this desperate attempt to control London's enormous gin consumption. Fifty Pounds London Dry Gin is smooth on the palate, with citrus notes and floral aromas.

The exclusive Fifty Pounds Gin Cask at the Back transports us back to the 19th century, when gin was still transported in oak casks. Some of these casks had previously been used to mature sherry. Stored at the very back of warehouses, these casks were difficult to access and therefore often remained there for extended periods – hence the name "Cask at the Back." The gin matured in these casks, acquiring a deeper color and a slightly different character. This particular gin matured for seven years in a single ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry cask. This unique maturation process gave this gin, limited to just 500 numbered bottles, a brilliant, deep antique gold color. On the nose, delightful aromas of juniper and citrus fruits dominate, with hints of wood and toasted oak, complemented by floral notes and a touch of raisins, prunes, and nuts. On the palate, it initially impresses with a delicate sweetness, soft and incredibly complex, wonderfully balanced with a long finish that leaves a fabulously rounded feeling in the mouth.

In the early 18th century, London experienced the beginning of an era known as the "Gin Craze." This period saw gin become extremely popular among the lower classes, attracting numerous bootleggers who peddled gin of dubious quality. To curb this, the government devised a tax of 50 pounds for every gin distiller in 1736 – a plan that proved largely ineffective. After six years, only two companies had paid the tax. Presented in a beautiful vintage gin bottle, Fifty Pounds Gin, produced by Thames Distillers in southeast London, commemorates this desperate attempt to control London's enormous gin consumption. Fifty Pounds London Dry Gin is smooth on the palate, with citrus notes and floral aromas.