Bluecoat Elderflower Gin

Bluecoat Elderflower Gin starts with the Philadelphia distillery's American Dry GinDry ginGin with no perceptible sweetness: in the European Union, the word "dry" allows at most 0.1 g of sugar per litre.GlossarySee Dry gin gins and adds an infusionInfusionFruit or plants are steeped in the spirit to release their flavour. Done after distillation, infusion often adds colour too, and the gin can no longer be called London Dry.Glossary of whole organic elderflowers. The flowers steep in the base spirit for two weeks at room temperature, giving the bottling a clear floral character while retaining a connection to the original gin. It is bottled at 47% ABV. Bluecoat describes a floral fragrance with citrus and tropical-fruit impressions over a recognisable juniper base.

Citrus · Floral · Fruity

Elderflower leads the nose, while citrus keeps the perfume bright rather than heavy.

The palate begins with floral notes, then develops a rounded fruit impression and the drier juniper character of the base gin. Citrus lifts the middle of the sip; the finish returns to herbs and juniper instead of ending like a sweet cordialCordialA concentrated syrup of fruit (often lime) and sugar, made to be topped up.Glossary. The two-week infusion and full-strength bottling help the botanicals remain present over ice and in a mixed drink.

An elderflower tonic is a natural match, but use it with restraint so the drink does not become overly perfumed. For the Perfect ServePerfect serveThe way the producer recommends serving the gin (glass, tonic, ratio, garnish) to show it at its best.Glossary, fill a balloon glassCopa glassA large stemmed balloon glass, popularised by the Spanish gin and tonic: it stays cold for longer and gathers the aromas above the drink.Glossary with ice, pour 5 cl of gin and 10 cl of Fentimans Elderflower Tonic Water, stir gently, then add a few edible elderflowers and a lemon twist. The flowers repeat the gin's defining botanical, while lemon adds a brighter edge; reduce the tonic if you want juniper and citrus to stay prominent. A dry or neutral tonic gives a less floral alternative. The gin also suits a Collins or French 75, where citrus and sparkling texture keep the floral note lively rather than sweet.

The infusion is a concrete part of the recipe: whole elderflowers steep in the American Dry base rather than appearing only as a flavour name. The result remains a full-strength gin at 47%, not a low-alcohol liqueur. Serve with enough dilution to open the flowers and citrus, but avoid piling on competing garnishes. Bluecoat Elderflower works when tonic, lemon and elderflower follow the same direction without obscuring the juniper underneath.