Broadcaster James May has expanded his James Gin portfolio with the launch of JG 05 California Dreamgin. This unconventional gin, distilled with an intriguing blend of mushrooms and patchouli, offers a unique take on the classic spirit, inspired by May’s love for California’s laid-back vibe and countercultural history.
May has spent many years exploring the roads of California in fast cars, for Top Gear and The Grand Tour, but this time, he returned to the Golden State for a different kind of adventure: “Selling my gin of the people to the land of the free,” as he puts it.
California, with its sunny climate and a surprisingly strong demand for his gins, inspired May to team up with Hugh Anderson at Downton Distillery to craft a new, distinctly Californian flavour for his growing audience.
This unconventional gin, distilled with an intriguing blend of mushrooms and patchouli, offers a unique take on the classic spirit…
From fast cars to craft spirits
The creation of California Dreamgin was all about capturing the essence of the state’s counterculture while experimenting with bold, unexpected flavours. The gin is distilled with girolle mushrooms, known for their light fruity and peppery notes, balanced with the earthy, woody aroma of patchouli.
Bottled at 40% ABV, California Dreamgin joins an already eclectic line-up that includes Asian Parsnip, American Mustard, and the uniquely British London Drizzle, inspired by the aroma of rain-soaked London streets. This latest release, however, is a first in the collection to be certified vegan by the Vegan Society, making it a compassionate, plant-based option for gin lovers.
According to distiller Hugh Anderson, “This is a true umami gin, with girolle mushrooms providing a hint of apricot, while the patchouli lingers at the back of the mouth. The savoury, herbaceous notes are further enhanced by oregano, which balances out the bright citrus flavours from coriander and lemon peel.”
James May’s California Dreamgin is available from www.jamesgin.com, priced £35.
Calling all Johnnie Walker whisky fans – a new Blue Label limited edition has just been released for Lunar New Year, Year of the Horse, in collaboration with Hong Kong-born, London-based haute couturier Robert Wun. Wun’s spectacular box and bottle design reimagines the Lunar New Year through his own visionary lens, a tribute to artistry…
His Majesty King Charles III, accompanied by the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney MSP, hosted a reception at The Palace of Holyroodhouse to mark the Scottish Investment Forum, this week, where they were joined by representatives of Ian Macleod Distillers, the family-owned firm which owns Rosebank Whisky. Leonard Russell, Managing Director & Chairman; Tom…
Whisky has long been central to Burns Night, the annual celebration of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, held each year on January 25. Traditionally marked with haggis, poetry and music, the evening is also an opportunity to explore Scotch whisky in all its variety, from approachable blends to characterful single malts. For Burns Night 2026,…
The Luxe Review 
Broadcaster James May has expanded his James Gin portfolio with the launch of JG 05 California Dreamgin. This unconventional gin, distilled with an intriguing blend of mushrooms and patchouli, offers a unique take on the classic spirit, inspired by May’s love for California’s laid-back vibe and countercultural history.
May has spent many years exploring the roads of California in fast cars, for Top Gear and The Grand Tour, but this time, he returned to the Golden State for a different kind of adventure: “Selling my gin of the people to the land of the free,” as he puts it.
California, with its sunny climate and a surprisingly strong demand for his gins, inspired May to team up with Hugh Anderson at Downton Distillery to craft a new, distinctly Californian flavour for his growing audience.
From fast cars to craft spirits
The creation of California Dreamgin was all about capturing the essence of the state’s counterculture while experimenting with bold, unexpected flavours. The gin is distilled with girolle mushrooms, known for their light fruity and peppery notes, balanced with the earthy, woody aroma of patchouli.
Bottled at 40% ABV, California Dreamgin joins an already eclectic line-up that includes Asian Parsnip, American Mustard, and the uniquely British London Drizzle, inspired by the aroma of rain-soaked London streets. This latest release, however, is a first in the collection to be certified vegan by the Vegan Society, making it a compassionate, plant-based option for gin lovers.
According to distiller Hugh Anderson, “This is a true umami gin, with girolle mushrooms providing a hint of apricot, while the patchouli lingers at the back of the mouth. The savoury, herbaceous notes are further enhanced by oregano, which balances out the bright citrus flavours from coriander and lemon peel.”
James May’s California Dreamgin is available from www.jamesgin.com, priced £35.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label and haute couturier Robert Wun release Year of the Horse limited edition
Calling all Johnnie Walker whisky fans – a new Blue Label limited edition has just been released for Lunar New Year, Year of the Horse, in collaboration with Hong Kong-born, London-based haute couturier Robert Wun. Wun’s spectacular box and bottle design reimagines the Lunar New Year through his own visionary lens, a tribute to artistry…
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His Majesty King Charles III, accompanied by the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney MSP, hosted a reception at The Palace of Holyroodhouse to mark the Scottish Investment Forum, this week, where they were joined by representatives of Ian Macleod Distillers, the family-owned firm which owns Rosebank Whisky. Leonard Russell, Managing Director & Chairman; Tom…
Best whiskies to mark Burns Night, from classic Blends to peated malts
Whisky has long been central to Burns Night, the annual celebration of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, held each year on January 25. Traditionally marked with haggis, poetry and music, the evening is also an opportunity to explore Scotch whisky in all its variety, from approachable blends to characterful single malts. For Burns Night 2026,…
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