Thomas Dakin Gin 700ml

Thomas Dakin Gin is a small-batch English gin named after Thomas Dakin, an 18th-century gin maker from the north of England. It is distilled in a small pot still by G&J Distillers in Warrington, Cheshire, uses eleven botanicals including red cole, and is bottled at 42% ABV.

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The brand tells the story of Thomas Dakin setting up as a gin distiller in Warrington in 1761, and the gin bearing his name comes from the distillers that trace their roots back to him. The recipe is kept secret, but the published botanicals include juniper, orange peel, English coriander and cubeb pepper. The signature is red cole, the old English name for horseradish, a root botanical used in the 18th century. It gives the gin a savoury, gently peppery edge rather than any obvious heat, which makes it stand out from sweeter citrus gins.

Thomas Dakin describes it as:

Palate: Juniper-led, with sweet orange and citrus.

Finish: Smooth and savoury, from the cubebs and red cole.

That mix of bright orange and savoury spice makes it a good choice for drinkers who like a classic, juniper-forward gin but want something with a bit more character. It is equally at home in a gin and tonic or a stirred cocktail.

The brand’s signature serve is the Tom and Tonic: a measure of the gin over ice, topped with a Mediterranean-style tonic and finished with a twist of orange peel to lift the citrus. It also makes a firm, well-structured Negroni or a dry martini. On the food side, try it with smoked fish, cured meats, roast beef or salty snacks that suit its savoury finish.