The London No. 1 Gin

The London No. 1 Original Blue Gin. Thames Distillers, London, England — London's first pale blue gin, quadruple-distilled with 12 botanicals anchored by over 60% Dalmatian juniper, finished with a fusion of French gardenia extract and Italian bergamot oil that give it both its distinctive aquamarine color and Earl Grey-like floral complexity.

The London No. 1 is produced by Thames Distillers, founded in 1996 by Charles Maxwell, an eighth-generation gin distiller. The botanical recipe draws from 12 of the most-used botanicals of 19th-century London gin, with the key distinction that juniper is used at over 60% of the botanical weight — a far higher ratio than is typical in modern gin, where juniper has increasingly been diluted by trendy botanicals. The recipe spans four continents: Croatian juniper, Moroccan coriander, French angelica root, Italian lemon peel, Chinese cassia, Turkish liquorice, Sri Lankan cinnamon, Greek almonds, and Italian orange peel.

What makes the gin unique is the post-distillation addition of two finishing ingredients: gardenia extract from France and bergamot oil from Italy. The gardenia is responsible for the gin's striking pale aquamarine color — a nod to historic gin, which before filtration would turn slightly hazy and blue when ice or water released essential oils. The bergamot — the same citrus ingredient that defines Earl Grey tea — adds a perfumed, distinctive floral quality that is instantly recognizable. After distillation, the gin is rested for three weeks before bottling. Because of the post-distillation color addition, it cannot legally be called a London Dry Gin, and is classified instead as a distilled gin.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Delicate and elegant with marked spicy and balsamic notes. Juniper leads with piney citrus, lemon peel, and eucalyptus. Bergamot adds a distinctive Earl Grey-like floral character. White pepper, licorice, and subtle sweet spice in the background.
• Palate: Soft and elegant. Strong floral character — lavender and bergamot prominent — alongside firm juniper, orange citrus, and lemongrass. Ginger-like spiciness from cardamom. Cinnamon and cassia add warming sweet spice. Licorice adds a gentle sweetness mid-palate.
• Finish: Long and refreshing. Juniper and angelica dryness fade into bergamot and citrus zest with a lightly bitter, peppery close.

Specs

• Distillery: Thames Distillers, London, England
• Owner: Gonzalez Byass
• Style: Distilled Gin (not London Dry — gardenia color added post-distillation)
• Botanicals: Dalmatian juniper (60%+), Moroccan coriander, French angelica root, Italian lemon peel, Chinese cassia, Turkish liquorice, Sri Lankan cinnamon, Greek almonds, Italian orange peel, savory, orris root; finished with French gardenia extract (color) and Italian bergamot oil
• Distillation: Quadruple distilled; rested 3 weeks post-distillation
• ABV: 47% (94 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What does The London No. 1 Gin taste like? Delicate and elegant on the nose with piney juniper, bergamot, lemon peel, and white pepper. The palate is soft and floral with bergamot, lavender, juniper, orange citrus, and ginger-like cardamom spice. The finish is long and refreshing with lemon, bergamot, and a lightly bitter close.
• Why is The London No. 1 Gin blue? The pale aquamarine color comes from a post-distillation fusion of French gardenia extract — a nod to historic London gin, which would turn slightly blue and hazy when ice released undistilled essential oils. No artificial dye is used.
• Is The London No. 1 a London Dry Gin? No — because color is added post-distillation (which London Dry rules prohibit), it is classified as a distilled gin rather than London Dry. The production is otherwise traditional, with over 60% juniper in the botanical mix.
• What is bergamot and why is it in gin? Bergamot is an Italian citrus fruit whose rind oil gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive perfumed aroma. In The London No. 1, it adds a floral, slightly marmalade-like complexity that makes this gin instantly recognizable.
• What cocktails is The London No. 1 best in? Excellent in a G&T where its floral, citrus character can shine. Also outstanding in a Negroni (the bergamot complements Campari), a classic Pegu Club cocktail with Cointreau and lime, or a Tom Collins.