Gin: Greenall’s

G&J Greenall have been making gin since 1761 (the year that George III was crowned King – he was Britain’s longest serving monarch at that time upon his death) so they should know a thing or two about making quality booze. They are responsible for at least half of the gin produced in the UK, as they produce supermarket own label gin in addition to their own premium offerings. Don’t let this put you off – Greenall’s gin is not the same as that which is sold dirt cheap in nondescript packaging.


As a brand, Greenall’s has just gone through something of a rejuvenation – out are the older (although very classy looking) labels, to be replaced with a stylish and modernistic take on the Union Flag in green. It’s available not just in 70cl bottles but also in cans, pre-mixed with tonic water. Yes, I know what you’re thinking. However, I was stuck in the Queensway area of London earlier and popped into a Little Waitrose for something to cool down. Sweating and tired, I saw Greenall’s and Tonic in the fridge and thought I’d give it a try. I found a shady bench in Kensington Gardens and sipped it back – far more satisfying than water, coke or beer and much cheaper than buying a G&T from the (busy) pubs in the area.

So, the stuff itself. Firstly, it smells like a proper gin – lots of juniper and citrus. Tasted neat it’s really not bad at all, it has a warming and satisfying finish and it the juniper isn’t overpowered (although the other botanicals aren’t all too prominent).

But the real mark of a good gin is how it is as part of a G&T. Mixed with Fever Tree tonic (my tonic of choice, although Schweppes will do if you can’t find or afford Fever Tree) it makes a lovely cocktail if a tiny bit on the sweet side. Lovely as it is, the one thing it lacks is adventure, but that is probably part of it’s charm. Citrus and coriander are definitely detectable but there is no getting away from the fact this is a traditional juniper gin.

Greenall’s is what I would call an “everyday” gin – one for a regular drinker who consumes mainly G&T. A staple gin, if you will. It’s reliable, makes a refreshing afternoon/evening drink (especially in this heat) and most of all, it’s well priced (I picked this up for £13.50 at Waitrose). During the hot summer, I’d recommend keeping a bottle on hand for uncomplicated refreshment.