Produced in Harrogate by Spirit of Harrogate, this expression builds upon a traditional London dry foundation while incorporating a distinctly regional ingredient: Yorkshire rhubarb. The gin reflects both the spa town's historic association with mineral water and a broader trend toward fruit-led, flavoured gins grounded in classical production methods. The base spirit is distilled using a combination of copper pot stills and vacuum distillation. The latter allows for lower-temperature extraction, particularly beneficial for preserving the delicate aromatic compounds found in fresh botanicals. This dual approach enables the distillery to maintain clarity and precision while integrating more volatile flavour components that might otherwise degrade under higher heat.
A core set of botanicals forms the structural backbone, including juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, cassia bark, and citrus peel. These are distilled in the traditional manner to produce a London dry-style base gin. Rhubarb is introduced post-distillation, typically through cold compounding using natural extracts and juice, allowing the bright, tart character of the fruit to remain intact without excessive bitterness. The rhubarb used is often sourced from the Yorkshire "Rhubarb Triangle", a region known for forced rhubarb cultivation, which produces a sweeter and more vibrant profile compared to field-grown varieties. This contributes both natural acidity and a subtle sweetness, reducing the need for additional sugar while still softening the gin's overall structure. Water used for dilution is drawn from the Harrogate aquifer, historically valued for its mineral purity. This contributes to a rounded mouthfeel and integrates the fruit and botanical elements more cohesively.
Unlike traditional London dry gins, this expression falls into the flavoured gin category due to the post-distillation addition of fruit. However, the underlying structure remains technically grounded, with juniper and spice still providing balance beneath the more prominent rhubarb character.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Fresh rhubarb leads with a crisp, slightly tart aroma. Subtle citrus and juniper follow, with a light sweetness and gentle spice in the background.
Palate:
Bright and fruit-forward, with rhubarb delivering both tartness and soft sweetness. Juniper and coriander provide structure, while citrus lifts the profile and prevents heaviness.
Finish:
Medium in length, with lingering rhubarb acidity and a soft, slightly sweet fade. A light herbal dryness and restrained spice close the profile cleanly.
