Hepple Gin arrives with a quiet confidence that speaks to a considered approach to London Dry production. At 45% ABV, it sits at a strength that suggests the makers want you to taste the spirit on its own terms — not hidden behind excessive proof, nor diluted to the point of anonymity. This is a gin that has been calibrated to let its botanical character come through with clarity.
Style & Category
What sets Hepple apart within the London Dry category is its reported use of vacuum distillation for the lighter botanical elements. This is a technique I have long admired when deployed with precision — it preserves the more volatile, delicate aromatic compounds that a traditional copper pot would otherwise strip away. The result, when done well, is a gin that manages to be both structurally sound and remarkably nuanced. The grain base provides a clean canvas, and the vacuum-distilled botanicals are layered on top with evident care.
Verdict
At £39.50, Hepple sits in the premium bracket where expectations are rightly elevated. It delivers a London Dry that respects the conventions of the category while employing modern distillation methods to push for greater aromatic complexity. I would not call it a boundary-breaker, but it is a thoroughly well-made gin that rewards attention. It earns a solid 7.5 out of 10 — a mark I reserve for spirits that demonstrate real craft without quite reaching the exceptional tier.
Best served: In a classic G&T with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic and a grapefruit twist, which will complement the lighter botanical notes beautifully. Equally at home in a dry Martini, where the 45% ABV provides the backbone to hold its own against the vermouth.
