James Gin American Ramstud
James Gin American Ramstud is a 40% ABV (80 proof), 700mL savoury distilled gin from Wiltshire, England — James May's riff on American hot-dog mustard, built with mustard seed, gherkin and sun-dried tomato over a classic juniper core. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 700mL
- Style: Savoury distilled gin
- Key botanicals: Mustard seed, gherkin, sun-dried tomato
- Full botanicals: Yellow mustard seed, gherkin, juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, dried tomato, liquorice root, orange peel, cubeb pepper, rosemary, caraway seed, ginger and bay leaf
- Distillery: Downton Distillery, Wiltshire, England
- Origin: England
Make America Drink Again
James Gin is the spirits project of broadcaster James May, made with Hugh Anderson at Downton Distillery in Wiltshire. American Ramstud — sold as American Mustard on the brand's own shops — sets out, in May's words, to distil the essential flavour of the United States: burger and hot-dog mustard. It is engineered differently from the rest of the range: it is the line's only Distilled Gin, because mustard seed run through a still can produce some impressively poisonous compounds. Instead the gin is distilled in the traditional manner first, and the mustard seed and dill pickle are added afterwards — proper mustard, done properly. Browse the James Gin collection, more gin, and the full spirits shelves at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
The brand's own notes: sharp, punchy and warming. The mustard is front and central, light on the tongue with a slight sensation of fire; gherkin counters the heat with a briny note, and sun-dried tomato smooths the profile into a savoury, quietly spicy finish.
How to Enjoy
Serve it in a gin and tonic with a lemon twist to lift the mustard warmth, or lean into the savoury side — it was practically designed for a Gibson or a Dirty Martini, where the gherkin brine does the talking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does James Gin American Ramstud really taste of mustard? Yes — mustard seed is the headline botanical, giving a warm, savoury heat, balanced by briny gherkin and the smoothness of sun-dried tomato over a juniper core.
Why is the mustard added after distillation? Because mustard seed, when distilled, can produce harmful compounds. The brand distils the gin traditionally, then adds the mustard seed and dill pickle afterwards — which is also why the bottle may cloud slightly over time; a shake clears it.
Who makes James Gin? Broadcaster James May, working with distiller Hugh Anderson at Downton Distillery in Wiltshire, England.
What is the alcohol content of American Ramstud? 40% ABV (80 proof), in a 700mL bottle.
Hot-dog mustard, engineered into a gin — order James Gin American Ramstud from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.