Hendrick's has built a remarkable reputation for pushing the boundaries of what gin can be, and Grand Cabaret is another fascinating chapter in their story. This limited edition expression sits at a confident 43.4% ABV — a strength that tells me the distillers wanted enough backbone to carry whatever theatrical flavour profile they've layered into this one.
A Theatrical Twist on a Modern Classic
What I find compelling about Grand Cabaret is the ambition behind it. Hendrick's core range already redefined expectations with its famous cucumber and rose character, and their cabinet of curiosities releases consistently demonstrate a distillery willing to experiment. At £38.95, you're paying a modest premium over the original, which feels fair for a limited run that clearly involved creative intent and additional complexity in the blending process.
The name itself — Grand Cabaret — suggests something rich, dramatic, and a touch indulgent. In the glass, this is a gin that invites you to slow down and pay attention. It rewards curiosity rather than rushing straight to the tonic. I'd score this a 7.2 out of 10: it's a well-crafted expression from a distillery that knows what it's doing, though I'd love to see them push even further into truly unexpected territory with future releases.
Best Served
I'd reach for this in a French 75 — the effervescence of champagne would complement Grand Cabaret's theatrical character beautifully. Combine 35ml of the gin with 15ml fresh lemon juice and 10ml sugar syrup, shake hard over ice, strain into a flute, and top with dry champagne. Garnish with a single rose petal floated on top. The cocktail's elegance mirrors the cabaret theme perfectly, and that 43.4% ABV ensures the gin holds its own against the fizz.
