There's something rather lovely about a gin that wears its philosophy right there in the name. Pollination Gin immediately signals a spirit rooted in the natural world — a celebration of the botanical relationships that make gin such a fascinating category. Bottled at 45% ABV and sitting firmly in the London Dry camp, this is a gin that follows one of the most exacting production standards in the spirits world.
Style & Character
For the uninitiated, London Dry isn't a geographical designation — it's a method. It means all the botanical flavours must be introduced during distillation, with nothing added afterwards except water and a tiny amount of sweetener. The result, when done well, is a clean, honest spirit where the distiller's skill is laid bare. At 45%, Pollination sits a touch above the minimum for London Dry, which tells me the makers wanted enough backbone for the botanicals to really project themselves without tipping into the heat of a navy strength.
The name suggests a deep connection to flowering botanicals and the ecosystems that produce them — think hedgerow blossoms, herb gardens, the kind of ingredients that bees would approve of. It's the sort of concept that tends to produce gins with genuine aromatic complexity, where floral and herbal notes interweave with that essential juniper core.
Best Served
I'd reach for this in a classic Bee's Knees — two parts gin, one part fresh lemon juice, one part honey syrup. The cocktail was practically designed for a botanically-minded London Dry, and at 45% ABV it'll hold its own beautifully against the honey's sweetness. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and serve over a single large ice cube. At £39.25, it's a fair price for a London Dry of this calibre.
