Marylebone Gin, 70 cl

Product Information

The soothing jazz might lull you into a reverie, but Purl’s standout cocktails will soon shake you out of it. We’ve got stills that are capable of distilling some quality rum so we’ll do some experiments and see what we get. From oregano-infused gin and kaffir lime leaf-infused vodka to classic wines and non-alcoholic beverages, you won’t go wrong here. however, it's wonderfully smooth, glides down without a murmur, and in no time at all you're feeling bereft cos it's all gone!

It’s heavily influenced by 1930s Cuba and serves up tantalising cocktails such as the Gunfire – a heady mix of St Lucian Castries rum, Chairman’s Reserve, Courvoisier VS, Jagermeister Manifest and black tea. One of those was about Marylebone Gardens, a pleasure garden located in the grounds of the old manor house of Marylebone in the Georgian era, a time in which gin was very popular, it was the last gin craze. But while his family’s long history of distilling and a swish central London location – not to mention a daily audience for his distilling efforts – would put an unbearable amount of pressure on some, Johnny Neill is more than ready for the challenge.The finished liquid is then bottled in a stunning creation of vibrant cobalt blue, inspired by fine Bristol glassware from the 18th century. His latest creation, is Marylebone Gin– a deliciously floral and citrus led gin, made in small batches to a pretty healthy 50. For Johnny, who spent his school holidays traipsing the streets where these acres of lush parkland and bandstands once stood, they’re an evocative reminder of London at its finest. My grandfather spent a lot of time in Turkey and Palestine and we always used to have quince jelly and quince jam around Christmas, so that’s where the inspiration for that came from.

Enjoy this unique Dry Gin, with subtle juniper citrus and floral notes neat over ice or with a premium tonic, either in your home or in your 'home from home' in London. It’s easy to communicate a ‘quince gin’ as opposed to a product like Whitley Neill, which has got nine botanicals, so we created spirits that led with a predominant flavour. We’re building a glass screen around it, but it will be on show all the time, so people can come down and look at it. Rumour has it that even Dick Turpin – highwayman, horse thief and all-around folk hero for the ages – paid these gorgeous gardens a visit. From the dim lighting and cosy booths to the punchy cocktails, this is the perfect place for post-work drinks.

I’ve been trying to keep it quiet until I got the still in place, which is why we can now talk about it! Settle in the indoor lounge or venture out onto the wrap-around terrace and enjoy views of the London skyline while downing your beverage of choice.

Built in what used to be the outskirts of London – Chelsea, Marylebone and Vauxhall, to name just a few – the pleasure gardens of the 18th and 19th centuries were so much more than picnic spots. JN: Originally I wanted to make something very British with some floral botanicals, so things like hyacinth and dandelion and elderflower that would stand out in a classic London Dry.Harry came back to Belfast and bought Gelston’s and was exporting it over to New Zealand and Australia where the brothers were so it’s nice to bring things back full circle, the two hemispheres are working together again. Everyone’s been very supportive of each other, everyone talks to each other in the industry, generally, every producer is happy to help. We wanted to play in the age range with Gelston’s to separate us from the Pogues brand and because cask finishing has got a great history behind it, it’s what my family did 150 years ago so that’s nice to think about too. Palate: Juniper notes are fresh and floral once again, paired will with lemon balm and earthy lime leaf. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but sometimes you hit the right spot, and I think the Marylebone does – and I think the fact that we’re not diluting the flavours as much as well by having it overproof, but it’s still quite delicate as well works.