Aldi, the king of copying products has now started to target the gin market with 7 new gins hitting the shelves from 1 October, with online orders available from 14 November.
The Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin, which costs under £10, has received some pretty prestigious accolades in the past including ‘a silver medal in blind taste-testing at this year’s International Spirits Challenge’ 1
“Price isn’t everything,” Charles Maxwell, master distiller and one of the judges, insists. “With gin, you’re governed by two things: juniper must be predominant, and the strength must be at least 37.5 per cent. After that, the botanicals [the combination of aromatic plant extracts that create a ‘signature’ flavour] are your toy cupboard.”
Needle Blackforest Gin, £14.99
‘A carefully distilled gin from a mix of 11 botanicals, ranging from lavender to hand-picked spruce needles. Complimented by hints of ginger and sun-dried lemons and oranges.’
Oliver Cromwell 1599 Sloe Gin, £9.99
‘An intensely aromatic plum and cherry flavour resonates throughout the mouth, closely followed by a hint of almond from the stone of the sloe fruit, giving a full and complex taste.’
Topaz Blue Premium Gin, £13.99
‘A balanced mix of wild botanicals and fruits with a touch of citrus and juniper.’
La Fleuriste French Gin, £19.99
‘A beautifully floral gin, crafted from 17 carefully selected botanicals and spices. On the nose, this gin is complex and elegant, with delicate notes of blossom closely followed by a citrus and juniper finish.’
Gin Lane 1751 Old Tom Gin, £19.99
‘Star anise botanicals and a dash of refined sugar create a full-bodied and perfectly balanced gin – silky, smooth and a deliciously sweet profile.’
Gin Lane 1751 Victoria Pink Gin, £19.99
‘Mixed from eight botanicals (juniper, coriander, angelica, orris root, Sicilian lemon, Seville orange, cassia bark and star anise) following a traditional Victorian recipe. This gin has a beautiful pink hue from Angostura bitters and is perfectly balanced between sweet and dry. An extremely thoughtful present this winter.’
Boyle’s Premium Irish Small Batch Craft Gin, £19.99
‘A well balanced dry gin, scented with hints of orange and juniper. An initially spicy flavour followed by a mellow and smooth finish.’
