Advertisement feature: Free sample provided for this review. Opinion entirely that of From the Gin Shelf.
FAST FACTS
country
England
Tonic
Classic
Garnish
Orange
ABV
40%
In his own words, Tiger Gin is “a real David and Goliath story.” Shropshire’s JJ Lawrence probably never imagined his desire to create the best tasting gin in the world would result in a prolonged legal battle with one of the world’s big drinks companies. Everyone loves an underdog, so I was keen to see if Tiger Gin really is the real deal.
Key flavours: juniper and citrus
Price: £35 – £40
David vs. Goliath
Following a trademark dispute with a well-established brand, JJ Lawrence launched his first spirit in 2016. It was a labour of love and took over two years in the making, but the entrepreneur’s determination saw him get the first product for his Shropshire Gin Company over the line. It was a matter of principle he states on their website.
Perhaps the fight was worth it in more ways than one. It’s certainly given a back-story to the brand and helped get a few extra column inches. And who doesn’t love an underdog?
Rather than spend years training to be a distiller, Shropshire lad Lawrence partnered with nearby Langley Distillery to develop Tiger Gin, which pounced onto shelves in 2016.
David vs. Goliath
Following a trademark dispute with a well-established brand, JJ Lawrence launched his first spirit in 2016. It was a labour of love and took over two years in the making, but the entrepreneur’s determination saw him get the first product for his Shropshire Gin Company over the line. It was a matter of principle he states on their website.
Perhaps the fight was worth it in more ways than one. It’s certainly given a back-story to the brand and helped get a few extra column inches. And who doesn’t love an underdog?
Rather than spend years training to be a distiller, Shropshire lad Lawrence partnered with nearby Langley Distillery to develop Tiger Gin, which pounced onto shelves in 2016.
Nose
Sweet with juniper and citrus
Palate
Oily and sweet, with juniper and citrus
Finish
Warm spice with citrus
Botanicals
juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, dried sweet lemon peel, dried sweet orange peel, cassia bark, liquorice root powder, ground nutmeg, cinnamon bark, orris root powder and two secret ingredients.
“The botanicals in Tiger Gin are quite traditional with the likes of coriander, orris and liquorice, coupled with the citrus of orange and lemon peel.”
Tasting notes
The botanicals in Tiger Gin are quite traditional with the likes of coriander, orris and liquorice, coupled with the citrus of orange and lemon peel.
The nose has juniper and citrus notes and from the first sip, it’s the juniper really takes hold on the palate. Smooth and oily,
It’s quite a sweet gin, heavy on liquorice root. Warmth from the coriander, cassia and cinnamon lead the finish, with zesty citrus.
It’s a pleasant combination, but with the premium price tag (£35 – £40), I’m not sure pleasant is quite enough in the current market. I’m a huge fan of gins with orange as the botanical, but I’m not sure Tiger can compete with similar gins in the market, such as Edinburgh Gin. That’s not to say it wasn’t enjoyable, but in an increasingly crowded marketplace, it’s difficult to see where Tiger Gin fits in, particular at that price point.
Tiger Gin Perfect Serve
- Add ice to a high ball glass
- Pour in 50ml of Tiger Gin
- Add a wedge of orange
- Top up with 150ml of classic premium tonic water
Tiger Gin Perfect Serve
- Add ice to a high ball glass
- Pour in 50ml of Tiger Gin
- Add a wedge of orange
- Top up with 150ml of classic premium tonic water
