Hayman’s intros historical cordial gin

Hayman’s has revived the cordial gin category – a popular style in the 1800s – with the launch of a limited edition English Cordial Gin at trade show Bar Convent Berlin.

With help from drinks historian David T Smith, Hayman’s English Cordial Gin has been created to “reflect the luxurious cordial gins enjoyed in the 1800’s.”

Just 1,500 bottles will be available, with the new offering described as having a “warm, spicy and earthy character that’s truly full flavoured.”

Hayman Distillers’ managing director, James Hayman, said: “We have really enjoyed working with David to research and recreate this forgotten style of gin, which was very highly regarded in the mid-1800s. At that time, sugar was no longer needed to disguise the impurities of alcohol due to improved distillation methods, however people preferred the sweetened full-flavoured style and considered it a luxury.

“Hayman’s English Cordial Gin has a warm, spicy and earthy character yet retains a delicate softness, which is perfect for both creating cocktails and sipping on its own. This is the first of our limited releases and we look forward to releasing more in the future.”

Suggested serves include Gin Daisy, a combination of Hayman’s Cordial Gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice and soda, and Cock-tail, a mix of Hayman’s Cordial Gin, four dashes of bitters and sugar.

Hayman’s English Cordial Gin is available from October 2016 in 50cl bottles at an RRP of £35.