Origin and production
Fifty Pounds is a London Dry Gin produced in south-west London by Thames Distillers. Its name refers to the £50 licence imposed by the 1736 Gin Act, linking the bottle to one of the most turbulent episodes in the city's distilling history.
A neutral grain spirit is redistilled in small batches with eleven botanicals sourced across four continents. Juniper, coriander, citrus peel, grains of paradise, savoury, liquorice and angelica root form the core; only the heart of the distillation is retained before triple filtration and bottling at 43.5% ABV.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Crystal clear and colourless, with a clean, gently viscous texture.
Nose
Juniper leads, followed by lemon and orange peel, coriander seed and a discreet herbal-earthy note.
Palate
Dry, smooth and layered, with piney juniper, bright citrus and peppery spice in balance. Angelica and liquorice add depth before a crisp, warming and lightly astringent finish.
Serving suggestions
For a classic gin and tonic, use a fine-bubble tonic and a strip of lemon peel. Its structure also suits a very dry Martini, a White Lady or a restrained Negroni in which the gin remains clearly defined.
Background story
The historical reference extends to the presentation, which draws on old gin-case bottles rather than overtly contemporary design. Each batch is identified on the label, reinforcing the small-batch character of the production.
Despite the heritage cues, Fifty Pounds is designed as a modern working London Dry: aromatic enough to stand in a short cocktail, sufficiently robust for tonic and balanced enough to serve simply over ice. The 43.5% bottling strength preserves botanical clarity without excessive heat.
