Review: Oxley Classic English Dry Gin (2011)
England’s Oxley gin is nothing if not unique: From its production technique — a “cold distillation” using a vacuum to lower the boiling point of the liquid, yielding just 240 bottles of product each day — to its avant garde bottle — partially clad in metal and with its neck wrapped in leather — Oxley is an experience you don’t easily forget.
Imbued with 14 botanicals (a complete list isn’t provided), Oxley is a big and complex gin that aficionados of the spirit should love. Juniper is moderate to strong, but if you give it a little air you’ll soon release lots of citrus notes — grapefruit is in there — plus what tastes like cinnamon, a bit of licorice root, and clear vanilla on the finish. Oxley calls this recipe #38. Seems that perseverance paid off.
For something that’s 94 proof, this gin is on the mild side. It has a bite, but nothing substantially more than your typical 80-proof distillate. The finish is clean and both a bit tart and sweet, quite inviting. Altogether a worthy gin that — while very hard to find — is worth “calling” in your Martini should you see a bottle on the back bar.
94 proof.
A- / $50 / oxleygin.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Oxley Classic English Dry Gin (2011)
$50
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I have 3 clear spirits in my house: JM Rhum, Buffalo Trace Mash#1 &….Oxley. Superb stuff really
Did you just say ‘high-pressure vacuum’?
My head is now full of fuck. I do suggest amending the article. :p
jellydonut – That was probably Oxley’s phrase, but I don’t have the materials any more. In any case, you’re correct. Sorry about your head.