Darnley's View Darnleys View London Dry Gin is the original expression from Darnley's Gin, a brand with a close connection to the Wemyss family, known for their Scotch whiskies. The gin is named after the romantic meeting in 1565 when Mary Queen of Scots first spied her future husband, Lord Darnley, at Wemyss Castle in Scotland. This London Dry Gin is crafted with a careful selection of six botanicals: juniper, lemon peel, elderflower, coriander seed, angelica root, and orris root. It is distilled four times and bottled at 40% ABV.
Tasting Notes:
-
Nose: Rounded and creamy with prominent notes of angelica, lemon, and elderflower. A burst of spicy coriander appears after a minute. Some describe a surprisingly mild but pleasant juniper aroma.
-
Palate: Features lemon and soft juniper at the forefront, with the elderflower making another appearance. Some detect a fresh juniper hit that mellows into lemon zest, followed by a smooth finish.
-
Finish: Offers earthy orris and coriander notes that linger. It is often described as long and dry, with a twist of floral and fruit characters from the elderflower. Some note a drying, but not harsh, finish with the individual flavors of angelica and orris root making themselves known quietly.
Awards and Recognition:
-
Silver at the International Spirits Challenge (2019 - London Gin Premium).
-
Bronze at the International Spirits Challenge (2014 - Gin Premium).
-
Bronze at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (2014 - Gin - London Dry).
-
Gold Medal in the premium gin category at the Spirit Business Magazine's Gin Masters (2011).
-
Master Award at the Travel Retail Masters (2010).
Overall Impression: Darnley's View London Dry Gin is a smooth and well-balanced gin that offers a contemporary take on the classic London Dry style. While juniper is present, it is often described as being less dominant, allowing the bright citrus notes of lemon and the delicate floral sweetness of elderflower to shine through. The subtle spice from coriander and the earthy undertones from angelica and orris root add complexity. It's considered a versatile gin, well-suited for enjoying in a Gin & Tonic, Martinis, and other classic cocktails, particularly those where a softer, more floral profile is desired. The gin's history and the quality of its botanicals contribute to its appealing character.