Spruce gives Steeplechase Signature London Dry Gin its clearest point of difference. Former chemistry teacher Adam Mitchell established the distillery in 2020 and makes this 45% vol. gin in a single-run, small-batch process. Eleven botanicals are used, although the published list names only juniper, spruce, cardamom and citrus. The aroma begins with bright conifer and clean peel. Juniper gives the centre a familiar dry structure, spruce extends the woodland freshness, and cardamom contributes cool spice before a crisp finish. The higher bottling strength adds definition rather than heat and allows the botanical detail to survive tonic. The Signature won Best in Europe at The Gin Guide Awards in both 2024 and 2025. Taste of the West also named it Champion among wines, spirits and liqueurs in 2024, while the distillery itself became Gin Guide Distillery of the Year in 2025.

A single-run method means the botanicals are distilled together rather than blended as separate distillates. Spruce consequently feels joined to juniper, while cardamom and citrus provide separation around the conifer core. The 45% bottling strength preserves that precision. This is a compact recipe in description, but a detailed one in the glass.

Start with a 4 cl measure and add 10 cl of light Indian tonic over large ice. Place grapefruit peel and a tender spruce tip between the cubes; lay a second peel and a small spruce cutting beside the highball. Grapefruit brightens the citrus already present, while spruce repeats the botanical that defines the recipe.

Because the botanicals share one distillation, spruce joins naturally with juniper. Cardamom and citrus open space around that resinous centre at a precise 45% vol.