GŴYR Rhosili

Gorse, sea buckthorn and linden flower are what make GŴYR Rhosili sing of the sea, in the phrase The Gower Gin Company uses for it. Rhosili is the stretch of coast at the western tip of the Gower peninsula in South Wales, and the gin was made with the Dylan Thomas Estate to mark the poet's ties to the area. It is cut at 45% ABV.

Citrus · Floral · Herbal

The recipe keeps the classic London DryLondon DryA style, not a place of origin: every flavour comes from distilling natural botanicals. After distillation only water and a trace of sugar may be added, with no flavouring or colouring.GlossarySee London Dry gins base the company works from, juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary, coriander and angelicaAngelicaThe root of a tall umbellifer, earthy and musky. After juniper and coriander it is the most common botanical: it binds the aromas and holds the finish.Glossary, then adds four things gathered or chosen for the coastline: foraged gorseGorseA spiny heathland shrub whose yellow flowers smell of coconut.Glossary flowers, sea buckthorn, linden flower and fresh lime zest. Sea buckthorn is the one that does the heavy lifting, a bright orange berry with a sharp, almost tropical acidity, while gorse brings a coconut-like sweetness that surprises anyone who has only smelled it on a cliff path.

Lime zest opens the nose, sharp and clean, with the gorse behind it and linden adding a soft floral layer.

On the palate the gin is fresher and rounder than its strength suggests: sea buckthorn gives the acidity, juniper the dry frame, angelica the earthy structure. The higher proof gives the texture a creamy quality, which is precisely why the house cuts it at this level, and the finish runs long on citrus and flowers with a saline trace behind them.

A 45% gin asks for a proper measure of mixer: 4cl against 10cl of dry tonic, ice to the rim, with a lime wheel or, in season, a sprig of gorse flower. Skip anything sweet, since the sea buckthorn already supplies the fruit, and let the glass sit for a moment before the first sip, so that the gorse has the time to show itself. The bottle took Gold at the World Gin Awards in 2020, and a Dragon Strength version exists for anyone who finds 45% too modest.