The Test Valley is in Hampshire and named after the river Test that meanders through the countryside, it’s hard to imagine a more quintessentially English place to make gin. Test Valley gin is an infused gin in the London Dry style and is bottled at 37.5%.
I’ve had a go at infusing gin myself and it can be a bit of a hit and miss business, so I take my hat off to anyone who can get it right, whether it’s through arduous experimentation or natural talent I don’t know, but this is what the creator Kate Griffin has done. The gin is infused at Kate’s grandfather’s house by hand, which gives a nice family feel to the gin. No essences are used in the infusions, only the freshest locally sourced herbs will do, which come from the local Leckford Estate. Thyme and basil are the two powerhouses for the infusion, two herbs which I often like to use myself in cocktails.
Test Valley Tasting Notes
Nose: Complex, with hints of thyme Palate: Warm, woody, with a hint of sweet herb Finish: Fresh and subtly herbaceous Average Price: £34.95 (or £39.95 incl p&p) available here Rating: 7/10
it This gin certainly makes a refreshing G&T, the recommended serve is to accompany with a sprig of thyme. Cocktail wise is works very well in one my own creations, the Mother’s Ruin -
In a highball glass muddle four or five basil leaves and 1cl of lime juice. Add ice and slowly poor 4.5cl of Test Valley gin over it. Top with soda to taste and as a finishing touch add a dash of Peychaud’s bitters. Give it and little stir and enjoy.
2 Comments
28/5/2017 21:18:04
Please may I quote your review and put up a link to it? I'm organising a walk in which Test Valley Gin will be sampled. Many thanks.
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The SilverFox
29/5/2017 08:28:58
Sounds great Gavin, you are more than welcome to quote my review.
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