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.
After nearly a decade of development, Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition marks the debut release in the distillery’s new Rare Wood Collection and the first (and most likely last) Midleton whiskey finished in casks made entirely from Irish sweet chestnut sourced from County Waterford’s Cappoquin Estate. Crafted from select Single Pot Still whiskeys initially…
The Macallan has just announced the Carta Nautica Collection, a new four-bottle series of single malt whiskies. As befits its Spanish moniker, Carta Nautica follows the journey of oak from North America to Jerez de la Frontera in Spain and onwards to Scotland. The collection draws on casks that have held bourbon and sherry, with…
Indian whisky producer Indri has launched its Diwali Collector’s Edition 2026, a cask-strength single malt matured in Portuguese Ruby Port casks, with just 180 individually numbered bottles allocated to the UK. Bottled at 58.5% ABV, the new expression combines ripe red and dark fruit character with honey, nuts and warming spice. Produced by Piccadily Agro…
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.
First pour: Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition is one of 2026’s most desirable whiskeys
After nearly a decade of development, Midleton Very Rare Irish Chestnut Edition marks the debut release in the distillery’s new Rare Wood Collection and the first (and most likely last) Midleton whiskey finished in casks made entirely from Irish sweet chestnut sourced from County Waterford’s Cappoquin Estate. Crafted from select Single Pot Still whiskeys initially…
The Macallan Carta Nautica Collection charts a new course for Scotch whisky icon, led by a 38 Year Old
The Macallan has just announced the Carta Nautica Collection, a new four-bottle series of single malt whiskies. As befits its Spanish moniker, Carta Nautica follows the journey of oak from North America to Jerez de la Frontera in Spain and onwards to Scotland. The collection draws on casks that have held bourbon and sherry, with…
Indri celebrates Diwali with a Ruby Port Cask Indian Single Malt rich in fruit, honey and spice
Indian whisky producer Indri has launched its Diwali Collector’s Edition 2026, a cask-strength single malt matured in Portuguese Ruby Port casks, with just 180 individually numbered bottles allocated to the UK. Bottled at 58.5% ABV, the new expression combines ripe red and dark fruit character with honey, nuts and warming spice. Produced by Piccadily Agro…
Share this: