Online Tasting: Marylebone Gin

Marylebone Gin is a passion project from Johnny Neill, the man behind Whitley Neill.

It’s inspired by the “pleasure gardens” of 18th and 19th century London, where the city’s society figures went to see and be seen, and plays on Neill’s links to gin dynasty the Greenall family. Its high strength (50.2% ABV) is designed to be representative of the drinks that pleasure garden visitors would have sipped on.

The brand behind Marylebone, the Pleasure Gardens Distilling Company, is based at the Marylebone Hotel in central London and its 50-litre still, Isabella, is located in the hotel’s 108 Brasserie.

Marylebone is one of a number of side projects Neill has undertaken since his flagship brand – known for its flavoured gins – joined the Halewood Wines & Spirits portfolio. Others include the premium J. J. Whitley spirits range and Berkshire Botanical, his latest gin venture based in Yattendon, Berkshire.

Time to see what our deputy editor made of Marylebone’s London Dry expression.

Marylebone

London Dry Gin

• ABV: 50.2%
• Country: England
• Style: London Dry
• Price: £££

Tasting Note

Bethany Whymark

Nose: Piney juniper. Citrus from lemon, freshly cut peel and zest, and liquorice. A faint floral note in the background trying to make itself known. There’s a subtle but noticeable hint of its strength.

Palate: Bold citrus flavours combine with a remarkably smooth mouthfeel for a tart lemon curd sensation. Vanilla sweetness, more liquorice and some woody notes. Spicy pepperiness comes later.

Finish: The citrus-tinged creaminess stays along with spicy pepper.

Comments: A gin with oomph which is delightfully smooth and sippable despite its strength. Tonic opens up the citrus flavours.

 

More from Marylebone Gin

Marylebone Orange and Geranium Gin

Marylebone Cask Aged Gin