There are London Dry gins that announce themselves with fanfare, and there are those that arrive with quiet confidence — a well-cut suit, a firm handshake, a name that lingers. Artingstall's Brilliant London Dry Gin belongs firmly in the latter camp. The word 'Brilliant' in the title feels less like marketing bravado and more like a statement of intent: clarity, precision, purpose.
A Classical Approach
At 42% ABV, Artingstall's sits at that comfortable sweet spot for a London Dry — enough strength to carry its botanical architecture without overwhelming the drinker. The London Dry designation tells us a great deal here: this is a gin bound by tradition, where juniper must lead and no artificial flavours or colours may enter the still after distillation. It is a category that demands discipline from the distiller, and rewards the drinker with transparency.
Without confirmed details on its botanical bill or distillery origins, Artingstall's presents itself as something of an enigma — a gin that asks you to trust the liquid in the glass rather than the story on the label. I respect that. In a market saturated with elaborate provenance narratives, there is something refreshing about a spirit that lets its character do the talking.
The presentation suggests a gin designed for versatility — classical enough to anchor a Martini, structured enough to stand tall against a quality tonic. At its price point of around £40.75, it positions itself in the premium tier, competing with well-established names. A solid 7.6 out of 10 — a well-made London Dry that delivers on its promise of brilliance.
Best served in a chilled coupe as a clean, stirred Martini with a lemon twist — the kind of drink you'd order at a quiet hotel bar while watching the last of the evening light fade through tall windows.
