When Brockmans launched their Gin back in 2008, not everyone was a fan. Back then, the Gin market was more one-dimensional, with London Drys dominating the market, other Gin categories were rare. Here and there were some brands trying something new, but only a few did this to the extent of Brockmans Gin.
Their berry essences made the Gin bright, fruity, and very different from classic flavor profiles. Some people felt that Brockmans had ruined the actual Gin with the addition of berry; -We disagree, though.
Brockmans Gin is unique in taste and an excellent way to twist classic Gin cocktail recipes by bringing berry flavors to it.
Quick Facts
- Produced by: Brockmans
- Distilled at: G&J distillers in Birchwood, England
- Style: Distilled Gin
- ABV: 40% ABV
- Spirit base: 100% grain spirit
- Taste: Blueberry, blackberry, rosemary, citrus, and juniper
- Best served: On ice or in a Bramble
Botanicals
The base used for distillation is a neutral grain spirit. Brockmans Gin is distilled with nine rather classic botanicals and then infused with the essences of blueberry and blackberry. The result is very bright, smooth, and easy to drink neat.
Here's the list of botanical ingredients in the Gin:
- Almonds
- Angelica
- Blueberry essence
- Blackberry essence
- Cassia bark
- Coriander
- Juniper berries
- Lemon peel
- Licorice
- Orange peel
- Orris root
Taste
The aroma of Brockmans Gin is dominated by bright and fruity berry notes, coming from blueberries and blackberries. You can smell hints of strawberries, raspberries, and even hibiscus together with the classics - juniper and citrus.
The palate starts with a surprising amount of heat, followed by rooty angelica flavors. Then the Brockman typical savor takes over, and you can taste a beautiful mix of blackberry, blueberry, and citrus. You can also taste hints of juniper, yet, only in the background and not as prominent as one might be used to.
The finish is relatively dry, which came by surprise after the dominant fruity flavors on the mid-palate. It's great as this creates the right balance between fruity, sweet, and dry.
How Brockmans Gin is made
Brockmans is distilled from a neutral grain spirit and a fine selection of classic Gin botanicals. Before the distillation, the botanicals are macerated in 100% grain spirit for 24 hours. That helps to release the natural flavors, oils, and aromas.
After this infusion, the spirit is re-distilled using a slow distillation process with a copper pot still and then cold compounded with essences of blackberry and blueberry for the distinct aroma and taste.
History
The Gin was launched in 2009 as a collaborative project of four friends who combined for over 60 years of experience in the spirits industry. - Two of these four friends are Neil Everitt and Bob Fowkes.
The goal was to create a super-premium Gin different from any other product on the market. But that wasn't it, as Neil Everitt told us. He aimed to produce a Gin appealing to a broader mass of people. Especially, the ones that aren't a fan of strong junipery notes.
One year after its initial release, Brockman's expanded to other European countries in 2010. Four years later, the berry-flavored Gin also hit shelves in the US.
In 2021, Everitt stepped down as CEO, and Guy Lawrence has been running Brockmans Gin ever since. Neil Everitt remains part of the board and still is the company's largest shareholder.
How much is Brockmans Gin?
Brockmans Gin typically sells for around $30 per bottle (750ml). That makes it an ideal mid-shelf Gin perfect for mixing berry-flavored Gin cocktails.
How to drink?
The Gin is smooth, and the dominant berry flavor makes it quite easy to sip it neat. If the alcohol heat is too much for you, try to serve it over ice.
But where Brockmans really shines are cocktails. First and foremost, it's an ideal Gin for making a Bramble cocktail. In combination with blackberry liqueur, it creates an even richer berry flavor in the drink.
If you're a fan of classic G&Ts, this Gin might not be a great fit. For everyone new to Gin and Gin & Tonics, the bright and floral Gin is a clever choice as well.
Another stand-out drink to make with it is an Aviation cocktail. The flavor combination works exceptionally well. The floral and berry notes create a twist on an Aviation that pushes the boundaries of this classic drink.
FAQs
No. Currently, Brockmans only produces one product - their classic, berry-flavored Gin.