Review: Fifty Pounds Gin
Fifty Pounds Gin was named for the fifty pound tax, levied on all producers of gin by the British Parliament in the Gin Act of 1736. This was meant to reduce illegal gin production that was so rampant that it affected public health. It is estimated gin was distilled in one of five homes. Only two distilleries agreed to pay this tax. Fifty Pounds Gin is a small batch neutral grain spirit distilled four times using a still manufactured by John Dore and Co. It is filtered three times and then stepped for two days with eleven botanicals. Those include juniper berries from Croatia, angelica root from Western Europe, coriander seed from the Middle East, Italian licorice root, grains of paradise from Western Africa, lemons and oranges from Spain, and mint from the South of France. The final three botanicals are kept a secret. After distillation the spirit is allowed to rest for three weeks to allow the flavor of the botanicals to fully integrate. Read more 
Review: Hofland London Dry Gin
Hofland London Dry Gin is made at the Toorank Distillery in the Netherlands. It is named for Jacob Hofland who started his spirits business in Holland in 1923. The distilled alcohol base is made from selected grains from the finest cornfields in the European Union. Eight botanicals are used including juniper, angelica root from France, orris root from Italy, coriander, vanilla from Madagascar, liquorice root from Turkey, lemons from Murcia Spain, and ginger from India. Read more
Review: Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin has been made with the same recipe at the Black Friars Distillery since 1793. This is the oldest working distillery in England. The distillery is located in the building where the pilgrim fathers gathered before sailing to America in the Mayflower in 1620. Plymouth is a brand name and also a gin style. The style is similar to London Dry Gin, but is said to be a little sweeter and earthier. Plymouth gin style is also geographically protected. It is made with soft Dartmoor water and pure grain. Juniper Berries, coriander seed, orange peels, lemon peels, green cardamom, angelica root, and orris root are steeped with the grain spirit which is bottled at 82.4 proof. Read more
Review: Beefeater London Dry Gin
Beefeater London Dry Gin is one of four gins currently produced at the Kennington Distillery in the heart of London in a factory once owned by the Hayward’s Military Pickle Company. The other varieties include Beefeater 24, London Garden, and Burrough’s Reserve. The original Beefeater Gin recipe was created by James Burroughs who purchased the Chelsea Distillery in 1863. Today Master Distiller Desmond Payne still craft Beefeaters the same way. Neutral grain spirit is added to copper pot stills. Nine botanicals hand weighed, including juniper, angelica seed, angelica root, coriander seed, liquorice root, almonds, orris root, Seville orange peel, and lemon peel are added to the still and steeped with the grain spirit for 24 hours. The still is then gently heated for 7 hours and the infused spirit changes from liquid to vapor, then back to liquid. The middle is cut and pure softened water is blended to reduce to proof. Read more