I picked up some Bulldog London Dry Gin this weekend after seeing it on offer in Tesco’s.
Brought to the market just over 10 years ago by Anshuman Vohra a former investment banker for JP Morgan. He wanted to bring a bold and distinctive gin to the market, which at the time he felt was over saturated by Vodka and “outdated” gins. Bulldog Gin took its inspiration from Sir Winston Churchill and his British “Bulldog Spirit”.
Bulldog originated just outside of Manchester, at G&J Greenhall Distillery who are famous for making their own gin and vodka brands for over 250 years, as well as market favourites such as Opihr and Bloom. By 2017 Bulldog had struck a deal with Groupo Compari to globally distribute Bulldog gin.
The gin is four times distilled in copper pot stills, with 100% British wheat and water. Made with with 12 unique botanicals from 8 different countries including liquorice, lavender, coriander, lemon, white poppy, almond and juniper and more impressively dragons eye (a small fruit similar to a Lychee native to Southeastern Asia)
Upon opening the bottle, the smell of alcohol is quite dominating, yet the floral Lotus Leaf still makes an appearance here. However, do not let the aroma deter you. Upon tasting, the gin itself has a creamy smoothness to it, so doesn’t give as much of a bitter and dry aftertaste as some other gins do. And, the well blended mix of botanicals, which gives Bulldog Gin its sleekness, do not fight to overpower one another.
I found that this gin is perfectly garnished with lemon peel, as it brings out the citrus flavours from within the gin. Other perfect pairs for this gin are, Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water or Ledger’s Tonic Water & Licorice garnished with Black Pepper, Blood Orange or Grapefruit.
I love that the team at Bulldog have designed the bottle with a stud collar around the neck, similar to the image of a traditional British Bulldog. The bottle itself is simple but bold, to stand out on any stores shelf.
Bulldog Gin can be ordered at The Drinksupermarket for £22.79 plus £4.99 P&P, or is currently on offer at Tesco’s for £15.00 (normally £22.00), however it is also stocked at all other major supermarkets in the UK including Asda, Waitrose, and Sainsbury’s.
On a personal note here. My wife… who disappointingly does not share my love of gin, absolutely adored Bulldog Gin. Her response was, “it’s not as harsh as others on the back of your throat” whilst making a noise that slightly resembled a hissing cat. Which did tickle me, but glad to say that we’ve found a gin that we can both enjoy. One which I will always keep in the drinks cabinet.
I’m sure you will all agree like the British Bulldog, this gin may look mean and aggressive, but is really soft and cuddly at heart.
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