First Impressions
Whitley Neill Blackberry earned an IWSC Silver Medal in 2020, and what sets it apart from some of the brand's other fruit expressions is that it is not sweet — the blackberry provides fruit character without the cloying sweetness that can plague the category.
Tasting
The nose presents fresh blackberry balanced with juniper, citrus, and earthy herbal notes. On the palate, rich and smooth with sweet-tangy blackberry, piney juniper, zesty citrus, and black pepper. The finish is long and satisfying with gentle warmth, fruitiness, and earthy cassia.
The Bottom Line
Whitley Neill Blackberry earns a 7 for being the fruit gin that avoids the sweetness trap — blackberry character with genuine gin backbone at 43%. The IWSC Silver confirms the approach works. At around £22, value and quality.
