Bluebird Honeycomb Gin

Bluebird blends seasonal wildflower honey into Honeycomb Gin after combining its spirit with juniper, citrus and botanicals. A seasonal release, it comes in at 45% ABV. Its tasting notes move between floral honey, pepper and evergreen, with a nose of honeysuckle and graham cracker and a finish that recalls lemon meringue pie and vanilla. Honey is a real ingredient here, while the pastry and confectionery references describe the aroma rather than additional recipe components.

Citrus · Limited Edition · Floral · Vanilla

The first impression is floral and softly sweet, but pepper and juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary keep the palate from becoming heavy. Citrus and evergreen notes add contrast, while the honey gives the middle a rounded feel. The distillery's comparisons to graham cracker, lemon meringue and vanilla make sense as impressions of warmth and softness; they do not turn the gin into a dessert spirit. Its 45% strength holds the aromatic detail in a cocktail, and the underlying juniper gives enough structure for a classic long drink as well as for sipping over ice.

The seasonal honey brings a clear point of difference to this gin. It joins a spirit already carrying juniper, citrus and a blend of botanicals, so the drink has both the familiar resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary marker of gin and a distinct floral sweetness. The profile is especially suited to gentle dilutionDilutionThe water added by melting ice. In the right amount it opens the aromas and softens the alcohol; too much flattens the drink.Glossary: too much sugar would blur the pepper and evergreen, whereas a restrained mixer lets the honey remain present without taking over. At the table, lemon cake, fresh pear or a mild blue cheese can echo different sides of its floral, citrus and honeyed character.

Pour 4.5 cl of Honeycomb Gin into an ice-filled 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 and add 12 cl of Franklin & Sons Mediterranean Tonic WaterMediterranean tonicA tonic with less bitterness and sugar, scented with herbs and citrus (rosemary, thyme, lemon). It leaves more room for the gin's botanicals.Glossary. Add a lemon wheel and a small rosemary sprig to the drink, with the same garnishes on a small plate beside the glass. The tonic's dry, herbal character balances the honey, while lemon brightens the nose and rosemary echoes the evergreen note. Stir once with a light hand and taste while the ice is still firm.