A taste of tradition

In the face of the current trend for gins with a difference in botanical emphasis, Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits has launched No.3, a 46% abv traditional-style London Dry Gin with juniper firmly at its heart

No.3 is distilled in traditional copper pot stills with just three fruits and three spices: Juniper berries, orange peel, Angelica root, Coriander seed, grapefruit peel and Cardamom pods.
 
Simon Berry, chairman of Berry Bros & Rudd, says: “No.3 is unmistakably traditional London Dry Gin. By traditional we mean gin that tastes as gin should, with juniper at its heart. We are determined that No.3 will be the last word in gin for a Dry Martini. To achieve this we asked one of the world’s authorities in the art and science of gin distillation, Dr David Clutton, as well as a panel of gin specialists, writers and mixologists to help us”.

The gin is distilled to Berrys’ recipe at one of Holland’s oldest distilleries; it is the only London Dry Gin from the distillery which is owned by a family firm that, like Berry Bros & Rudd, has over 300 years of experience.

No.3 refers to the address in St James’s Street, London, which has been the home of Berry Bros & Rudd, possibly the world’s oldest wine and spirit merchant, since 1698. The inspiration for the key on the bottle comes from that used to open the door of The Parlour, one of the oldest rooms in the shop. Notable dignitaries such as Lord Byron, William Pitt, and Napoleon III are all thought to have dined there over the past three centuries.

The objective is for No. 3 to be at the heart of the finest Dry Martinis in the most prestigious establishments, including Dukes Hotel and The Coburg Bar at The Connaught Hotel.

No. 3 London Dry Gin will be available from April at Berry Bros & Rudd and through InSpirit in the UK at £32.95 for a 70cl bottle and in the US through Skyy at US$39.99 for a 75cl bottle.
 

The bottle

Just as the liquid itself is steeped in tradition, so too is the high-shouldered green bottle designed by Dave Beard at BrandHouse, inspiration being drawn from the open pontil gin bottles that date back to 17th century.

The bottle is manufactured by Saverglass and closed with a JC Ribeiro cork stopper and AC Relvas capsule. The distinctive key embellishment was supplied by Segede.

1 March 2010 - Felicity Murray