For Science! - Professor Cornelius Ampleforth's Bathtub Gin

Being that it's a day to celebrate all things USA, I thought I'd bring you a 'bathtub gin' as a beautiful, nostalgic throwback to the seedy days of Prohibition, the speakeasy, and a whole lot of good jazz. Although, in actual fact, this particular gin is made in England...

H'anyway, Ampleforth's Bathtub Gin is one I've been wanting to sample for some time now, and so when I spied a bottle in Fortnum's (that's what I call Fortnum and Masons dont'cha'know) on a recent trip up to the theatre, in my cultured way I had to pick up a bottle for £35. For those who aren't in that area of our fine capital, Professor Ampleforth's products are available on Master of Malt with the gin at £32.95.

This gin is created through cold-compunding,  apparently a rare process in gin production that amounts to infusion as far as I can see. I'm not going to research this though, as I don't think you care and I have stuff to be getting on with - drinking for one - but rest assured that this is a special process you should go "oooh" at.

I'm really drawn to this gin and I have to honestly say a large part is the marketing and packaging. Firstly, who doesn't want a gentleman called Cornelius Ampleforth distilling their gin? The thought that he is a Dickensian scientist, sweating over (not in) test tubes and measuring jars is too much to resist. Secondly the brown paper with string effect is just pretty damn awesome. To my credit though, I would like to say that the reviews I've seen for this are hugely positive, really whetting my appetite.

This gin is not completely clear like the others usually available. I suppose this is due to the distillation process, but the nose will more than put pay to any scepticism. The botanicals are truly beautiful, the juniper, coriander, cumin and orange blend wonderfully together. It is a big and powerful nose full of complexitiy - really nice and inviting.

Again, the palate is all about quality, with the same botanicals above (and more!) coming through, and the mouthfeel is smooth and creamy. This gin is of the upmost quality, being a fantastic sipping gin which would be great over the rocks, or the base of a spectacular G&T. The Professor states that his aim is "to deliver a most agreeable drinking experience to all and sundry," and I can tell you he more than achieves this.

I love this gin - it is up there as one of the best for me, being one that any juniper-head should try. If my endorsement isn't enough, then I'll let you know that the Bathtub Gin won two gold medals at the 2013 International Spirits Challenge (not bad, eh?)

Appease the Professor, buy a bottle from Master of Malt and whilst you're there I would suggest beefing up your order with some whisky and rum and absinthe and vodka and bourbon and.......