I tried a Top Gear presenter's wacky gin flavours including American Mustard and Asian Parsnip
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James Gin was founded by Top Gear presenter and former Lancaster Uni student James May.
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Hide AdThe 61-year-old wanted to make a nice gin for his pub customers four years ago at The Royal Oak Swallocliffe, Wiltshire.
The first run was 1,000 liters, which sold out within a few days. The gin's success then led to it being sold in over 40 countries worldwide and online.
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Hide AdAmerican Mustard: Inspired by burger mustard, which May says makes America great.
London Drizzle: Designed to evoke the smell of rain on a hot pavement in Regent's Park, created with beetroot, lovage, bay, orange, and ginger.
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Hide AdAsian Parsnip: Based on parsnip, which has an earthy flavor, combined with Asian spices.
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I gravitated towards the more ‘normal’ London Drizzle gin thinking this would be the one I would like best, but boy was I wrong!
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Hide AdI was informed that Asian Parsnip pairs well with a lemon garnish, American Mustard with a sprig of rosemary and London Drizzle with a slice of orange.
As someone who believes rosemary has no place in a drink, I cannot bring myself to add it, so I opt for a slice of white grapefruit instead.
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Hide AdArmed with my ingredients and London Essence tonic cans, I put all three to the test.
First up is the London Drizzle and it does exactly what it says on the tin. It reminds me of a lemon drizzle cake and would perhaps pair well with one.
It was a tad on the sweet side for my tastebuds so this would not be one I would be ordering at the bar.
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Hide AdNext up was the American Mustard. This was not for me at all as it had a spicy kick to the aftertaste alongside a strong taste of yellow mustard.
Third, but by no means least, was the Asian Parsnip one.
I expected more of a parsnip taste hence the name, but was pleasantly surprised to find this was not the case. It was not overbearing and had a clean, refreshing earthy essence to it which paired well with my basic tonic water.
If I were out at a bar and spied this gin I would defintely order it, and it seems I am in great company as many reviews from other customers highly rate this one as well.
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Hide AdTitling it ‘The Power of the Parsnip’, one person called it a fantastic and extremely flavourful gin which works very well in a Negroni cocktail and ‘would happily buy again and again and again’.
Another called it an ‘exemplary gin’.
If you would like to view James May’s full range of gins click HERE.
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