Hayman's

£20.10

The story of Hayman’s Distillery and their unique portfolio of award winning gins is a long and winding road. Not solely because of the 6 gins they now create (each deserving individual consideration and a moment of their own) but also because the family has been in the gin making business for generations.

Hayman's London Dry Gin -

As the name might suggest, Hayman’s London Dry Gin is a classic style of gin. Distilled to a family recipe using their blend of 10 botanicals, which are steeped for a full day prior to distillation to allow the flavours to release into the alcohol, it is the careful and consistent balance of juniper, coriander, lemon and orange peel which play a vital role in creating this traditional style of London Dry Gin. That said, orris root, cinnamon, cassia and nutmeg all work to underpin the gin and give it the typical dry characteristics and depth of flavour so highly sought after that without their inclusion, would have left a slightly one dimensional gin. The flavours are unmistakably classic and bottled at 40% ABV. The gin typifies smooth juniper balanced well with citrus and a touch of spice.

Hayman’s Old Tom -

The hints of coriander and citrus give a more rounded fragrance, but as with many Old Tom’s it’s the sweetness from both sugar and the liquorice root that shines through. Suffice to say that Hayman’s Old Tom is the standard bearer in the sub-category of gin.

Read our full review here: Hayman's Old Tom

Hayman’s Family Reserve -

While a variety of barrels are used, Hayman’s Family Reserve is primarily rested in old Scotch Whisky barrels, mostly constituting of American Oak wood. The process results in the spirit receiving a very slight straw colour and when tasted neat, Hayman’s 1850 Reserve seems like a mellow, rounded gin. Although only really notable when drank neat, it is also possible to discern some slight tannic qualities left by the wood.

There’s a good juniper backbone complimented by citrus and spice notes as one would expect from a high quality traditional full-flavoured gin. For us, the defining characteristic was that it feels softer in the mouth. It would seem that the wood has smoothed the sharp notes out of the gin and the resulting liquid is silky which makes it approachable.

Hayman’s Royal Dock -

Navy Strength Gins are at 57.5% ABV and as a result, Hayman’s Royal Dock has an aromatic nose with citrus and floral notes, namely orange blossom wafting out as soon as you begin to poor.  The mouthfeel is smooth but carries an unrivalled botanical intensity of flavour thanks to the higher strength. It’s a classic of the genre and a must have gin for lovers of this over proof style.

Read our full reviews here: Hayman's Portfolio