First Impressions
Premier Cru celebrates Spanish lemons from the Murcia region, adding mandarin alongside the enhanced citrus to the Sapphire botanical basket. At 47%, it sits at the same proof as Star of Bombay, signalling serious intent. The key distinction: this reads as a gin with lemon rather than a lemon-flavoured gin.
Tasting
The nose carries recognisable Sapphire signatures — coriander and green juniper — highlighted with zesty lemon oil and woody facets. On the palate, it is more earthy and peppery than citrus-forward. Cracked white pepper, bitter orange zest, juniper and coriander build complexity. The finish is long and quite dry with a woody, peppery tang and candied lemon peel.
The Bottom Line
Premier Cru Murcian Lemon earns an 8 for demonstrating restraint where lesser brands would have drenched things in citrus. The lemon enhances rather than dominates, and the 47% proof carries the expanded botanical basket with authority. At around £35, a compelling upgrade from the blue bottle for anyone who wants citrus complexity without sacrificing gin character.
