Best exotic hotel gin: members club Home House launches premium London Dry gin

Iconic London members club Home House has launched its own gin, in partnership with Lockerbie-based distillery Oro. The premium spirit is an entirely bespoke creation, a passion project for Home House’s General Manager, Giuseppe De Wilde, who collaborated closely with Oro’s Head Distiller, Ray Clynick.

The duo spent seven months developing the flavour profile of the gin, refining and re-designing with a selection of unusual botanicals. “The exotic ingredients draw influence from the countess’s multi-faceted background,” says De Wild.

Gin was reportedly the favourite tipple of Lady Home, who earned the nickname ‘Queen of Hell’ when entertaining London’s high society in the 18th century. 

To launch the spirit, the team at Home House staged an exclusive tutored tasting. The gin’s grand reveal was celebrated with a divinely flavourful Home House Negroni.

“It’s quite complex as a gin,” says Clynick. “We use 13 different botanicals, and it’s really quite different on the palate. This is not a one dimensional gin.”

Gin was reportedly the favourite tipple of Lady Home, who earned the nickname ‘Queen of Hell’…

Tasting notes confirm Home House gin is fresh rather than being over dry on the palate, with some pronounced spice mid-body. 

Madagascan cinnamon is laced with Spanish saffron, while Angelica brings weight and a slight sweetness. As it permeates the palate, there’s the flavour of orange and lemon. The orange and lemon botanicals come from Murcia in Southeastern Spain, where they’re known for their high oil content.  

There’s also a tantalising hint of the rarest Lignum Vitae, a nod to Lady Home’s Jamaican roots.  Additional botanicals include Guatemalan Cardamom, Moroccan Orris Root and English Rose. The finish ends with a sip of Osmanthus tea. 

The incorporation of Jamaican Lignum Vitae, a tincture which brings with it a woody, spicy flavour, was far from straightforward. Head distiller Clynick confides it took him months to get it through customs. The national flower of Jamaica, it’s known locally for its medicinal qualities.  

Appreciation has come early, with the gin winning a silver medal at the World Gin Awards 2023, in the London Dry Gin category.

De Wilde suggests serving Home House Dry Gin with an immodest amount of ice and tonic, mango bitters and a garnish of dried mango.  

The spirit is as elegant as the building it represents. Originally designed in 1773 by leading architects of the day James Wyatt and Robert Adam, the club has grown to incorporate 23 rooms, restaurants, bars, a gym and an exclusive nightclub, dubbed The Vaults. 

Lady Home was renowned for her ‘irascible behaviour and lavish parties,’ a reputation (at least when it comes to shindigs), the current Home House takes pride in continuing.

As befits its home, the bottle design takes inspiration from Home House’s Art Deco influence, and is Italian made. The original building’s Imperial Staircase (pictured below) is showcased on the packaging.

And this is just the start. Appropriately, the next Home House original will be a rum. We can’t wait.

Currently, Home House London Dry Gin is available for purchase by members only via the Home House website and at the club’s front desk, priced £37.50.

Non-members can enjoy Home House London Dry Gin by staying in one the club’s bedrooms or suites. Members rates are starting from £179 and non-members rates from £259 per night for a Club Room. Admittedly pricey for a Home House Negroni, but probably worth it…