Tasting Notes: Lytham Dry Gin & Lytham Zesty Orange Gin (October Subscriptions)
This went out in October so I’ve rather tenuously included a pumpkin.
Ahoy there!
Good to see you looking so sharp and alert! For October’s gin, I’ve taken the Nautilus to the Lancashire coast to collect some very special gin from the folk at Sandgrown Spirits. They came to my attention through the series of awards their dry gin won. Named after the town Lytham St Anne, the adopted home of Les Dawson and George Formby no less, the copper pot distilled Lytham gins are a divine treat. Relative newcomers on the scene they really have hit the ground running. Perhaps no surprise since the wife and husband team behind the gins are a chemist and beverage specialist respectively.
So then Captain, why have you chosen them!
London Dry
Coming in at 42% ABV, their small batch London Dry gin is full of distinct flavours. On the nose there’s an enlivening wave of orange. On the palate the orange brings a lovely oiliness and kaffir lime leaf joins in the citrus chorus but is joined by the peppery notes of the grains of paradise before a surprisingly sweet finish. Well balanced with enough uniqueness to stand out from the crowd. I’ve included plain tonic and Double Dutch’s cucumber and watermelon tonic which always works well with citrus forward gins.
Lytham Zesty Orange Gin
I’d not come across an orange flavoured gin that won me over which is why there’s never been one featured in the club. Until now! Coming in at 40% ABV, their small batch Zesty Orange Gin absolutely stands out and that comes down to two reasons. Firstly, they’ve eschewed the more common practice of taking a signature dry gin and infusing the fruity flavours, in favour of coming up with a brand new gin from scratch that does justice to the orange, avoiding flavours that distract. Secondly, the orange flavour manages to avoid being too sweet or too heavy. The name is accurate - it’s full of life . On the nose there’s refreshing orange. On the palate the juniper is the perfect subtle contrast before an earthy finish. In addition to the tonics there’s also a ginger ale which makes for a completely different and equally as satisfying drink.
So, until next time my fierce crew, I bid you farewell!
Love and barnacles
The Captain