First Impressions
Black Cat Distillery launched in Penrith, Cumbria, in 2022 — one of the Lake District's newest distilleries. Their Cumbrian No.3 is the savoury expression: inspired by the Mediterranean, it uses olives, rosemary, lemongrass, and cardamom alongside juniper. The concept is bold — olive in gin — but the execution is assured, creating a Martini gin of real distinction.
Tasting
The nose has rosemary and lemongrass tangling beautifully — savoury and herbal. On the palate at 43%, clean olive notes arrive first, followed by the subtle blend of Mediterranean herbs. Lemongrass adds bright citrusy freshness, rosemary provides savoury depth. Adding tonic enhances the olive flavour. The finish is spicy cardamom — warming and savoury with subtle persistent olive.
The Bottom Line
Black Cat Savoury earns a 7 — the olive botanical is genuinely daring and genuinely works. This is a Martini gin: the olive note means you barely need a garnish. The rosemary and lemongrass prevent the olive from dominating, and the cardamom finish adds warmth. Also excellent in a Negroni where the savoury character plays against Campari. At £38, a Lake District gin with Mediterranean ambition.
