First Impressions
Wolfe Bros No. 5 English Rose & Angelica is the floral expression from the Leeds-based micro-distillery, distilled in tiny 20-litre batches using British winter wheat spirit. Rose petals and angelica root — the two botanicals that give the gin its name — create a distinctly floral character over the established Wolfe Bros base of juniper, coriander, hibiscus, orange peel, cassia bark, and liquorice root.
Tasting
The nose is pleasant with floral rose aromatics. On the palate, the gin is balanced and rich, with subtle spice and gentle citrus. The rose and angelica create a vibrant, aromatic character that is floral without being perfume-like. The finish is impressively long, starting with warm spice and ending with sweet rosewater and jasmine.
The Bottom Line
Wolfe Bros Rose & Angelica earns a 7 for delivering a genuine floral gin from 20-litre Yorkshire micro-batches. The rose-angelica combination is elegant, and the warm spice-to-rosewater finish is a particular pleasure. At around £36, the micro-batch scale and the floral complexity justify the price. Serve with lemon tonic, cucumber, ice, and fresh mint.
