There are gins that shout their credentials from the rooftop, and there are those that simply let the liquid do the talking. Portobello Road No. 171 belongs firmly in the latter camp — a London Dry of genuine pedigree, distilled at the Portobello Road Distillery in Notting Hill, one of London's most characterful neighbourhoods.
The distillery sits above The Distillery hotel and bar on Portobello Road itself, a location that feels almost too perfectly suited to its purpose. Founded by Ged Feltham and Jake Burger, the brand was born from a genuine obsession with gin history — their collection of antique gin artefacts is genuinely impressive, and that scholarly devotion shows in the liquid.
First Impressions
The bottle is handsome without being ostentatious — clean lines, a vintage-inspired label, and that distinctive "171" address stamp that roots the gin firmly in its London home. Pour it neat and you're greeted by a nose that is textbook London Dry: clean juniper, bright citrus, and a subtle herbal complexity that rewards patience.
On the Nose
Juniper is present and correct, as it should be in any self-respecting London Dry, but it's not a one-note affair. There's a lovely interplay between lemon peel and nutmeg, with cassia bark providing a warm, almost cinnamon-like undertone. Give it a moment and you'll catch the faintest whisper of orris root — powdery and floral, adding elegance to the aroma.
On the Palate
The palate delivers on every promise the nose makes. Juniper arrives first, bold but not aggressive, followed by a cascade of citrus — predominantly lemon and a hint of bitter orange. The mid-palate is where things get interesting: nutmeg and cassia bark bring a gentle warmth that stops well short of heat, while liquorice root adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the whole experience. The mouthfeel is silky and medium-bodied, with the 42% ABV providing just enough weight without any alcoholic burn.
The Finish
Medium to long, clean, and satisfying. Juniper and citrus linger with a dry, slightly spiced fade that invites another sip. This is a gin that finishes with the same confidence it starts with.
In a G&T
Paired with a quality Indian tonic and a grapefruit twist, No. 171 makes a textbook Gin and Tonic — balanced, refreshing, and unmistakably gin. It also holds its own admirably in a Martini, where the juniper-citrus backbone provides the structure that style of drink demands.
The Verdict
Portobello Road No. 171 is a London Dry that honours the tradition without being shackled by it. It's precise, well-crafted, and genuinely enjoyable — the kind of gin that reminds you why this style has endured for centuries. In a market that sometimes prioritises novelty over quality, this is a bottle that quietly, confidently, gets everything right.
A worthy addition to any gin shelf, and a fine ambassador for London's thriving distilling scene.
