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.
Laphroaig has released Strong Characters Chapter Two, a limited-edition 35 Year Old single malt celebrating Dugald Johnston, the son of co-founder Donald Johnston. The release follows the inaugural 33 Year Old bottling, which honoured Donald, and continues a series recognising those who have shaped the Islay distillery’s history. Dugald inherited Laphroaig during a difficult period…
The Macallan is bringing its A Night on Earth whisky series to a close with a New Orleans-inspired single malt. Created by The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team, its flavour profile takes cues from the city’s celebrated cuisine and cocktail culture. The whisky brings together the rich sweetness associated with sherry seasoned American oak and the…
Royal Salute is looking to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the eighth release in its Polo Collection, a 21 year old blended Scotch whisky finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. The limited-quantity release is a bespoke blend of Scotch whiskies aged for at least 21 years, created by Royal Salute Master Blender Emeritus Sandy Hyslop.…
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.
Laphroaig Strong Characters Chapter Two is a 35 Year Old single malt tribute to its historic distillery owner
Laphroaig has released Strong Characters Chapter Two, a limited-edition 35 Year Old single malt celebrating Dugald Johnston, the son of co-founder Donald Johnston. The release follows the inaugural 33 Year Old bottling, which honoured Donald, and continues a series recognising those who have shaped the Islay distillery’s history. Dugald inherited Laphroaig during a difficult period…
The Macallan A Night on Earth The Finale brings whisky series to a close in New Orleans
The Macallan is bringing its A Night on Earth whisky series to a close with a New Orleans-inspired single malt. Created by The Macallan’s Whisky Mastery Team, its flavour profile takes cues from the city’s celebrated cuisine and cocktail culture. The whisky brings together the rich sweetness associated with sherry seasoned American oak and the…
Royal Salute 21 Year Old Polo Edition adds Pedro Ximénez finish for a taste of the Middle East
Royal Salute is looking to Dubai and Abu Dhabi for the eighth release in its Polo Collection, a 21 year old blended Scotch whisky finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. The limited-quantity release is a bespoke blend of Scotch whiskies aged for at least 21 years, created by Royal Salute Master Blender Emeritus Sandy Hyslop.…
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