In a world overflowing with gins, few stand out quite like Hendrick’s. With its apothecary-style bottle, unmistakable cucumber-and-rose aroma, and delightfully peculiar personality, Hendrick’s has earned its place as a modern classic and not just for its looks.
A Gin Born to Be Different
Hendrick’s Gin was launched in 1999 by William Grant & Sons, the same Scottish family-owned company behind Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. But while its distilling lineage is rich with tradition, Hendrick’s was never meant to be traditional. From the very start, the goal was to create a gin that didn’t just blend into the crowd but broke away from it entirely.
Crafted at the Girvan Distillery on the rugged Ayrshire coast of Scotland, Hendrick’s was developed under the watchful eye of master distiller Lesley Gracie, which is a name that’s now legendary in the spirits world. What’s her vision? A gin that was aromatic, balanced, and, above all, distinctly different.
The Magic in the Method
What sets Hendrick’s apart isn’t just what’s in it, but how it’s made. Rather than relying on a single still, Hendrick’s combines distillates from two very different types: the Bennett still, which delivers a deep, rich flavor, and the Carter-Head still, known for its lighter, more delicate profile. The result is a uniquely smooth and complex gin that’s anything but one-note.
Then comes the post-distillation infusions of Bulgarian rose petals and cucumber essence, both added after distillation to preserve their freshness. It’s a curious choice in a world where citrus and juniper tend to dominate, but it’s precisely this twist that gives Hendrick’s its signature floral aroma and that cool, refreshing finish.
Embracing the Unusual
Hendrick’s doesn’t just make unusual gin, they embraced it. From surreal advertising campaigns to peculiar pop-up events, the brand has carved out a niche that’s as much about experience as it is about flavor. Think cucumber currency exchanges, tea parties with a twist, traveling gin carts pulled by bicycles, and installations that look like they fell out of a Victorian dream.
This commitment to the whimsical isn’t just for show, it’s baked into the brand’s DNA. Everything about Hendrick’s, from its theatrical label to its peculiar packaging, invites you to lean into the strange and delightful world it creates. And people have responded with enthusiasm, making Hendrick’s not only one of the most recognisable gins on the shelf but one of the most beloved.
The Different Expressions of Hendrick’s
The unusual charm of Hendrick’s doesn’t only apply to their classic gin, but it’s also reflected in the other varieties of Hendrick’s too:
Hendrick’s Neptunia
Inspired by the rugged Scottish coastline, Neptunia is a seaside spin on the classic, with coastal herbs and a whisper of sea breeze in every sip. It captures the sensation of standing on a cliff with waves crashing below in the most delicious way possible.
Hendrick’s Flora Adora
Flora Adora is a celebration of garden blooms and pollinator-friendly botanicals, bursting with fragrant floral notes that layer beautifully atop the classic cucumber and rose. It’s bright, fresh, and includes a little touch of the wild, like a gin-soaked walk through an enchanted greenhouse.
Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret
One of the more recent and theatrical entries in the lineup, Grand Cabaret is inspired by stone fruits and decadent evening parties. It brings lush orchard sweetness to the Hendrick’s profile, while still maintaining that familiar herbal complexity.
More Than A Gimmick
Despite its playful branding, Hendrick’s is no novelty act. It’s a serious spirit with a loyal following among bartenders, home mixologists, and casual sippers alike. Whether it’s served in a tall glass with tonic and a slice of cucumber or mixed into something a bit more adventurous, Hendrick’s delivers a level of refinement that stands up to scrutiny, even if they wear a monocle while doing it.
For those who love a gin that’s classic at heart but unconventional in spirit, Hendrick’s is the obvious choice.
And to accompany you in this peculiar gin’s journey, grab yourself a bottle of Hendrick’s Gin and much more in our store!
