Here at Sipsmith, we understand just what it means to be a juniper devotee.
Our passion for gin drinking is what inspired us to first set up shop with our copper still Prudence back in 2009.
Since then, we’ve worked steadily to expand our range of offerings and produce the finest range of gins. While our London Dry Gin has remained at the heart of our selection (its crisp finish, rich array of botanicals, and up-front juniper flavour make it an excellent go-to gin for everything from Martinis to G&Ts), we’ve also introduced a number of other options. Our Summer Cup, which blended our gin with earl grey tea, lemon verbena and cucumber, is our favourite warm weather tipple, while our Sloe Gin and Damson Vodka, both rich, burgundy-hued drams, are best when sipped by a roaring fireplace.
Now, we’re thrilled to introduce the newest distillation from Sipsmith, designed especially for those after a brazen and bold spirit: our V.J.O.P.
When sampling the spirit for the first time, note the V.J.O.P.’s bountiful nose of pine and cedar wood, with a hint of zesty orange.
V.J.O.P. (which stands for Very Junipery Over Proof) is a spirit that’s designed for unabashed gin lovers. At the heart of this gin, we’re paying homage to the juniper berry: that incredible, resinous, piney ingredient without which gin simply couldn’t exist.
Our head distiller Jared Brown has designed a way to make our gin even more juniper-rich than it is normally. His pioneering three-part distillation process adds juniper to the spirit at different stages, including a maceration period, an extra addition of juniper to the pot still, and a final dose of vapour-infused juniper via our special Carter Head still. The result? A powerfully juniper-filled spirit that captures the very essence of the ingredient.
Our V.J.O.P. is additionally higher in alcohol than our London Dry Gin, which comes in at 41.6% ABV. This new, high-strength spirit balances the extra juniper additions with a heartier and richer base, at 57.7%.
At-home, bartenders can add it to their arsenal of ingredients, creating their own blends and mixes to discover their preferred way of sampling the spirit…
When sampling the spirit for the first time, note the V.J.O.P.’s bountiful nose of pine and cedar wood, with a hint of zesty orange. Its palate of juniper is rich and full, with deep flavours of spice and dark chocolate coming through. With a long and slow finish, it’s a compelling pour that demands to be noticed.
There’s no one single way to enjoy the spirit, and we’re excited to try it in all different contexts. True gin devotees will want to sample V.J.O.P. by the dram, or playing the lead role in a Martini. Classic cocktail aficionados can blend it into a bitter and citrusy Negroni. And at-home bartenders can add it to their arsenal of ingredients, creating their own blends and mixes to discover their preferred way of sampling the spirit.
So whether you’re planning to mix it or simply sample it neat, we’re excited to hear what you think about our ‘symphony of juniper.’ Savour it on chilly winter nights, or tuck it away for a holiday gift for the resident juniper expert in your life. Cheers to V.J.O.P.!
