Renais Reserve Familiale Gin is a distinctive gin co-founded by actress and activist Emma Watson and her brother Alex. It's inspired by the terroir and traditions of their family's winemaking estate in Burgundy, France.
Production:
- Unique Base Spirit: Renais Gin is distilled from the skins of Grand Cru grapes that are salvaged after the winemaking process at the Watson family's vineyard in Chablis. This sustainable approach minimizes waste and provides a unique character to the gin.
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Botanicals: A careful selection of nine botanicals complements the grape spirit:
- Juniper berries
- Linden flowers
- Acacia honey
- Lemon peel
- Lime slices
- Coriander seeds
- Angelica root
- Cubeb berries
- Kimmeridgian stone (limestone soil characteristic of the Chablis region, added during distillation to impart minerality).
- Distillation: While the base spirit is French, the distillation takes place in England using traditional methods.
- Sustainability: Renais emphasizes sustainability throughout its production process, including using upcycled grape skins and aiming for carbon neutrality.
Tasting Notes:
- Aroma: Vibrant and fresh, with prominent citrus notes (lemon and lime) leading the way, followed by delicate floral hints (linden blossom) and a touch of sweetness from the acacia honey. The juniper is present but well-integrated.
- Palate: Smooth and elegant with a silky texture. The citrus remains bright, balanced by a subtle minerality derived from the Kimmeridgian stone and a gentle sweetness. The traditional gin botanicals provide a harmonious backdrop. Some detect a subtle spice from the cubeb berries.
- Finish: Clean, crisp, and relatively long, with the citrus and floral notes lingering alongside a refined minerality.
Awards and Recognition:
Renais Gin has quickly gained recognition:
- Gold Medal at the Spirits Business Gin Masters 2023 & 2024. The judges noted "citrus, notes of coriander and a pleasant finish."
- Great Taste Award 2024.
- Rated 88 points by USA Spirits Ratings, noting a "bright floral profile with jasmine, green tea, and orange peel" and a "smooth, creamy palate with subtle botanicals."
Overall Impression:
Renais Reserve Familiale Gin is a sophisticated and distinctive gin that beautifully marries French winemaking heritage with English distilling expertise. The use of upcycled Grand Cru grape skins and the inclusion of terroir-driven botanicals like Kimmeridgian stone create a unique and elegant flavor profile. It's a versatile gin that can be enjoyed in classic cocktails, particularly a Gin & Tonic or Martini, where its bright citrus and subtle minerality shine. It also stands out for its commitment to sustainability.
