The Connaught Bar at The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair has launched its own gin, crafted and distilled in house to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this luxurious award-winning bar.
Yet another London-made gin on the market? Yeah, I known. There’s a vast volume of locally made (or at least locally labeled) gins sloshing about town these days. Most of it’s alright, but little of it is terribly interesting. Before you complete your eye roll, though, you might want to consider having a taste of this extraordinary spirit created by the Connaught’s Director of Mixology Agostino Perrone.
Perrone starts with the standard botanicals for quality gins: juniper berries, coriander seeds, liquorice, angelica root and orrisroot, a touch of mace as well. Then he adds two not-so-ordinary choices for a distinctively balanced profile and silky and rich finish: Amalfi lemons and red wine from Bordeaux.
Just before Christmas, I had the pleasure of visiting the bar to sample Perrone’s gin. I sipped it neat and enjoyed it in a Connaught Martini mixed at table from the bar’s art deco trolley (£22). Both drinks quenched with elegance.
A limited run of only 1000 hand-labeled bottles has been produced to date, with 100 of these available to purchase online. Matching the interiors of The Connaught Bar, the bottle itself is a lovely keepsake.
Blended and bottled onsite, The Connaught Bar Gin is priced at £95 and available for purchase online and at The Connaught Bar.
Assuming it doesn’t fill up beyond capacity, The Connaught Bar would make a splendid HQ for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Of course, anytime you fancy a drink, this bar would be a wonderful one to keep in mind.
The Connaught Bar is located inside The Connaught Hotel, Carlos Place, W1K 2AL.
For more about the hotel, bar, and gin – and to purchase a bottle – go to the-connaught.co.uk.
