LW Gin Black Bull 32 ml

LW Gin Black Bull 32 ml

Not every gin has to taste like a pine forest. A more modern school lets the juniper step back and make room for everything else a really good gin can hold: citrus peel, floral roots, warm seeds and a couple of kinds of exotic pepper. The result is a gin that feels light on its feet and almost perfumed.

Gin Black Bull is built on exactly that idea. The name sounds powerful, but its strength lies in the fine detail – ten different botanical impressions that take turns rather than jostling for space. That makes it an obliging mixing gin: it lifts tonic, berries and floral liqueurs without steamrolling them, and it is gentle enough to sip over a single ice cube.

Colour & Appearance

The finished gin is crystal clear and bright, without the faintest hint of colour. It moves lightly in the glass, leaving thin, quick legs along the rim.

Nose

The nose opens with freshly grated lemon peel and a cool, almost violet-like floral note from orris root. Close behind comes coriander seed with its orangey warmth, dry angelica and a mild note of sweet almond. The juniper is there as a green, resin-fresh backdrop, and right at the end a little pepperiness pokes up out of the glass.

Palate

The first sip is soft and bright. Lemon and coriander lead the way, closely followed by a round, slightly nutty sweetness from almond and liquorice root, which gives the gin its silky mid-palate. Then the spices wake up: cubeb pepper with its cool, almost eucalyptus-like tone, and grains of paradise bringing a warm, gingery heat. The juniper ties it all together without dominating, and the angelica supplies a dry, earthy backbone that stops the gin from becoming too well behaved.

Finish

The finish is clean, bright and medium in length. Lemon peel and a floral orris note linger together with a small prickle of pepper on the tip of the tongue. No bitterness, no harshness – just a cool freshness that asks for the next sip.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit and the gin can be enjoyed straight away. 32 ml makes two 750 ml bottles, 1.5 litres in total. Instructions are on the label.

Serving Suggestions

• Gin and tonic with a light, not-too-sweet tonic, heaps of ice and lemon peel.
• Gin fizz with lemon juice, a little sugar syrup and soda water.
• With elderflower pressé, cucumber slices and mint – summer in a tall glass.
• In a Bramble with crushed ice and blackberry liqueur, where the floral note gets to shine.
• Well chilled with dry vermouth and a lemon twist for a bright, elegant Martini.

About the Essence

Gin Black Bull belongs to the LW series, where the 32 ml bottle gives two full bottles of finished drink – one for the drinks cabinet and one in reserve for the weekend’s guests. The essence is highly concentrated and easy to measure, and the flavour turns out the same every time.

The same flavour profile is sold in the larger sizes under the name Black Elephant – from 50 ml up to 25 litres – for anyone mixing for a party, a bar or their own production. For more pepper and depth, there is also its sister Black Label in the Ultra Premium series.