Colombo No.7 Gin

​Gin, whilst having its roots in European spirits, is most often associated with Great Britain and the gin craze that took hold there. It's probably the quintessential British drink after a good, solid cup of tea. These days gin is of course made all over the world in a variety of different styles, but this wasn’t always the case. 
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​Back in the mists of the Second World War the Rockland Distillery, who had been producing Arrack in Sri-Lanka since 1924, were asked to make gin for the British war effort. Due to spice routes being closed off the distillery was forced to use local ingredients from Colombo’s cinnamon gardens. 

Certainly at the time is was a rarity that gin was produced outside the UK, upon trying the new gin British excise officers were so impressed with this Sri-Lankan gin that they passed a law which allowed non-native spirits to be made and exported around the world, and so the roots of Colombo No.7 were planted, the first Asian made gin of its kind.

Since 2004 the company has been rebuilt buy the owners Grandson and they began accurately reproducing their wartime recipe, distilled in small batches in copper pot stills. Whilst the gin is undeniably Sri-Lankan in origin and inspiration the gin is now actually distilled in England due to fears that the Sri-Lankan government would take over private distilleries in the country. The gin is produced at 43.1%.

​Four native botanicals from Sri-Lankan are used – cinnamon, curry leaves, ginger root and coriander seeds. These are combined with liquorice and angelica to round off the spirit.

SilverFox Tasting Notes
Like taking an evening stroll through a buzzing spice garden, the last rays of the sun warm you and you breath in the heady woody and spiced air.

Colombo No.7 tasting Notes 
Nose: White pepper, and piney juniper with hints of coriander
Palate: Pepper spice and woody
Finish: Citrus and juniper

Average Price: £32.95
Fox’s Rating: 7/10

This is a warming, yet refreshing gin that is easy to drink, certainly designed to be consumed as gin and tonic, the makers themselves recommend garnishing with curry leaves. The peppery taste might make a less suitable gin for sweeter cocktails, but it could certainly work well in drinks with more a more savory kick.

The SilverFox