James Gin Asian Parsnip
James Gin Asian Parsnip is a 40% ABV (80 proof), 700mL gin from Wiltshire, England — James May's original gin, pairing the nutty sweetness of English parsnip with the warming spices of the Indian subcontinent: ginger, green cardamom and cubeb pepper. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 700mL
- Style: Spiced contemporary gin
- Key botanicals: Parsnip, cardamom, cubeb pepper
- Full botanicals: Parsnip, juniper, ginger, caraway seed, cubeb pepper, fenugreek, cardamom, grains of paradise, liquorice root, sweet orange, coriander seed and angelica root
- Base spirit: Grain
- Distillery: Downton Distillery, Wiltshire, England
- Origin: England
The Gin That Started James Gin
Asian Parsnip (JG.01) was James May's first gin, launched in 2021. The idea, in his words, was a very British gin built on parsnip — a root vegetable that reminds him of dampness — combined with the spicy sparkle of the Asian spices found in Indian food. May took the idea to Hugh Anderson of Downton Distillery in Wiltshire; what was originally planned as a small run for May's own pub, the Royal Oak in Wiltshire, became a 1,400-bottle first batch that sold out in days and launched the whole James Gin range. Browse the James Gin collection, more gin, and the full spirits shelves at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
The brand's own notes: rooted, spiced and British. Parsnip — historically used as a sweetener — brings a uniquely nutty profile, and the Far Eastern spices, ginger and green cardamom in particular, make it a warming gin with lingering, light sweet notes.
How to Enjoy
The Gin Guide's serve is a gin and tonic garnished with lime, which sharpens the spice and nutty sweetness. It also stands up beautifully in a sour — the brand's circle recommends it with Lillet Blanc, lime and fresh mint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does parsnip taste like in gin? Nutty and subtly sweet — parsnip was used historically as a sweetener, and here it gives the gin a soft, rooty sweetness beneath the juniper and spice.
What spices are in James Gin Asian Parsnip? Ginger, green cardamom, cubeb pepper, grains of paradise, fenugreek and caraway seed, alongside juniper, coriander, angelica, liquorice root and sweet orange.
Is Asian Parsnip the same as the Navy Strength edition? No. This is the original 40% ABV bottling; the Navy Strength Asian Parsnip is a separate edition bottled at 57% ABV.
Who makes James Gin Asian Parsnip? Broadcaster James May, working with distiller Hugh Anderson at Downton Distillery in Wiltshire, England — it was his first gin, launched in 2021.
Parsnip meets cardamom, by way of Wiltshire — pick up James Gin Asian Parsnip at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
