First Impressions
The London No. 1 is immediately arresting — pale turquoise-blue from natural gardenia flower infusion alongside a final bergamot oil addition. Twelve botanicals distilled at Thames Distillers at a serious 47%. The visual impact is matched by intensely floral flavour.
Tasting
The nose is intensely floral — sharp lilac perfume with earthy juniper and cardamom behind the florals. On the palate, strong floral flavours lead with ginger-like cardamom heat, lavender and lilac tainting juniper and citrus. The finish unfolds angelica warmth with liquorice sweetness and bergamot elegance — the blue turning pink when tonic's acid is added.
The Bottom Line
The London No. 1 earns a 7 for a gin that is both visual statement and genuine flavour experience. The gardenia-derived turquoise is unique, and the 47% carries the intensely floral profile with authority. The colour-change with tonic adds theatre. Not a subtle gin — it announces itself with floral confidence and demands attention.
