As the sun sets on the 12th day of Advent Gin, we open our wee dram of Blackeye London Dry Gin. I approach the glass with trepidation—not because I fear the violence associate with the name (or its rugby-playing producers), but cos several aspects of its promotion state clearly and firmly: gimmick. Rugby stars, citrus-forward, donations to a good cause, all sound like excuses to sell a gin whose primary virtues are Sport Stars, Flavour, and Charity rather than, you know, quality gin.
I was wrong to doubt. The leading fruit is not bold but gentle, leading to a proper gin middle with sturdy juniper and supporting herbal notes. The ending tends a little more harsh pepper than I’d like, but I can well imagine others appreciating it. On the whole, it steers an entirely satisfactory between being flavour-led and being strictly botanical. I was going to say ‘… still not quite my thing’, but after allowing the gin time to settle on my tongue, I admire it more than I thought I would (even after overcoming my initial scepticism). Not at all a novelty act, this is an accomplished top tier player. I prefer a greater commitment to juniper and botanicals, but Blackeye would be a welcome addition to my liquor cabinet for visitors who like their gin a little easier to drink, and bless ’em, they should have their tipple too.
My Advent League Table still has Still Pool and Isle of Harris neck and neck, but Blackeye joins the challengers close behind.