Worship Street Whistling Shop Cream Gin: A Detailed Tasting Experience

The Worship Street Whistling Shop Cream Gin offers a unique and intriguing twist on the classic spirit. Inspired by Victorian-era “cream gins,” this contemporary take uses modern distillation techniques to create a smooth, luxuriously textured gin with a touch of creamy sweetness.

On the Nose:

The first impression is one of juniper, the defining characteristic of gin, but with a surprising softness. Hints of citrus peel, particularly lemon and orange, add a refreshing brightness, while subtle floral notes like lavender and chamomile peek through. A touch of vanilla emerges, hinting at the creamy character to come. Overall, the nose is inviting and intriguing, balancing the familiar botanicals of gin with a whisper of something new.

On the Palate:

The first sip is a revelation. The juniper asserts itself initially, but then gives way to a wave of smooth, velvety cream. This isn’t a heavy, overpowering creaminess, but rather a delicate richness that coats the tongue. The citrus notes from the nose come alive on the palate, offering a burst of zesty freshness that cuts through the cream. Underlying herbal notes, particularly coriander and peppery spice, add complexity and prevent the sweetness from becoming cloying. The finish is surprisingly dry, with the juniper and citrus lingering alongside a subtle hint of vanilla and cream.

Tasting Notes:

• Juniper: Present but softened, providing a foundation for the other botanicals.
• Citrus: Zesty notes of lemon and orange add brightness and freshness.
• Cream: The star of the show, offering a smooth, luxurious texture without being overpowering.
• Floral: Delicate hints of lavender and chamomile add intrigue.
• Vanilla: A subtle touch emerges on the nose and adds depth to the flavour profile.
• Herbal: Coriander and peppery spice add complexity and prevent the sweetness from becoming excessive.
• Dry Finish: The juniper and citrus linger alongside a hint of cream, leaving a clean and refreshing aftertaste.

Serving Suggestions:

The Worship Street Whistling Shop Cream Gin’s unique flavour profile makes it incredibly versatile. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Neat or on the Rocks: Enjoy the gin in its purest form, allowing the complex flavours to shine through. Serve chilled, neat in a coupe glass or on the rocks in a tumbler glass.
• Creamy Cocktail: Embrace the creaminess of the gin with a White Russian twist. Combine 50ml Worship Street Whistling Shop Cream Gin, 25ml coffee liqueur (such as Kahla), and 25ml fresh cream in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg for an extra touch of sophistication.
• Fruity Cocktail: Balance the creaminess with tart fruits for a refreshing twist. Combine 50ml Worship Street Whistling Shop Cream Gin, 25ml fresh grapefruit juice, 25ml elderflower liqueur, and 15ml lime juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
• Gin & Tonic (Creamy Twist): For a unique take on the classic gin and tonic, use Worship Street Whistling Shop Cream Gin and top with a premium tonic water. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a squeeze of orange peel for a touch of herbal and citrusy brightness.

Food Pairing:

The Worship Street Whistling Shop Cream Gin’s creamy texture and complex flavours make it a great partner for a variety of dishes. Consider these options:

• Desserts: Pair the gin with creamy desserts like cheesecake, panna cotta, or crme brle. The creaminess of the gin will complement the dessert, while the citrus and juniper notes will provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Cheese Platter: The gin’s richness pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like brie or camembert. Add a selection of fruits like grapes, pears, or apricots to enhance the flavour profile.
• Savoury Dishes: The gin’s surprising versatility allows it to complement savoury dishes as well. Consider smoked salmon canaps, roasted chicken with creamy sauce, or creamy mushroom risotto.

Overall:

The Worship Street Whistling Shop Cream Gin is a delightful exploration of tradition and innovation. It offers a smooth, luxurious drinking experience with a unique creaminess that sets it apart from other gins. Whether enjoyed neat, in a cocktail, or paired with food, this gin is sure to surprise and delight your taste buds.

Order your bottle of Worship Street Whistling Shop Cream Gin today from The General Wine Company and embark on your own creamy gin adventure!