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.
A new collaboration pairs Scotland’s national drink with one of its oldest design traditions. Whisky and tartan have long travelled together. Now, Cask Trade and celebrated Scottish designer Siobhan Mackenzie have brought the two together in a limited-edition single cask release that celebrates the country’s enduring craftsmanship through a contemporary lens. The collaboration marks the…
Cù Bòcan has introduced Creation #8, a limited-edition Highland single malt that explores a pioneering maturation using Canadian ice wine and Spanish Verdejo casks. Produced at Tomatin Distillery, Cù Bòcan is the experimental single malt brand created around the distillery’s lightly peated spirit. The name means ‘ghost dog’ in Gaelic, referencing a spirit said to…
Drinks by the Dram has unveiled The Whisky Library, an educational tasting collection created in collaboration with whisky expert Dave Worthington. Presented as a miniature bookshelf, the set contains 36 wax-sealed 30ml drams housed across six themed volumes covering Scotch whisky regions, single malt whisky, Japanese whisky, Irish whiskey, Bourbon and American whiskey, and sherry-cask…
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.
New Nc’nean Cask Trade bottling celebrates Scottish craftsmanship through whisky and tartan
A new collaboration pairs Scotland’s national drink with one of its oldest design traditions. Whisky and tartan have long travelled together. Now, Cask Trade and celebrated Scottish designer Siobhan Mackenzie have brought the two together in a limited-edition single cask release that celebrates the country’s enduring craftsmanship through a contemporary lens. The collaboration marks the…
Cù Bòcan Creation #8 becomes first peated Scotch whisky matured in ice wine casks
Cù Bòcan has introduced Creation #8, a limited-edition Highland single malt that explores a pioneering maturation using Canadian ice wine and Spanish Verdejo casks. Produced at Tomatin Distillery, Cù Bòcan is the experimental single malt brand created around the distillery’s lightly peated spirit. The name means ‘ghost dog’ in Gaelic, referencing a spirit said to…
The ultimate whisky tasting set: The Whisky Library puts 36 premium drams on your bookshelf
Drinks by the Dram has unveiled The Whisky Library, an educational tasting collection created in collaboration with whisky expert Dave Worthington. Presented as a miniature bookshelf, the set contains 36 wax-sealed 30ml drams housed across six themed volumes covering Scotch whisky regions, single malt whisky, Japanese whisky, Irish whiskey, Bourbon and American whiskey, and sherry-cask…
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