Boodles Original London Dry Gin
Boodles Original London Dry Gin is a true British classic — a citrus-free London Dry gin, distilled from British wheat and botanicals, bottled at 45.2% ABV (90.4 proof) to a recipe dating back to 1845. Named for Boodle's Gentlemen's Club in St. James's, London — said to be Winston Churchill's favorite gin — it leans juniper-forward and herbal rather than citrusy, with sage, nutmeg and caraway in the mix. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 45.2% (90.4 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: London Dry Gin — citrus-free recipe
- Base: British wheat spirit
- Botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root, caraway, plus rosemary, sage and nutmeg — no citrus peel
- Heritage: recipe dates to 1845; named for Boodle's Gentlemen's Club, London
The Gentleman's Gin
Most gins chase citrus; Boodles deliberately leaves it out. The original distillers' reasoning survives in the brand's own telling: a proper drink would include its own slice of lemon or lime, so the gin itself keeps to juniper, herbs and spice. The result is a clean, mellow, classically styled gin — robust piney juniper with resinous angelica, a mid-palate of lemon rind and spice, and a warming, caraway-tinged finish — that has become a bartender's staple for martinis, G&Ts, Negronis and Corpse Revivers precisely because it never surprises. Explore Boodles, browse the gin collection, or see Belvedere for a contrasting grain-to-glass story from Poland.
Tasting Notes
Nose: robust piney, resinous juniper with a healthy dose of angelica — very classic, with fresh herbs, coriander and a hint of spice. Palate: bright and juniper-forward at first with a hint of caraway; lemon rind mid-palate, prickly coriander spice and cinnamon bark; resinous pine lingering. Finish: moderately long, clean, dry and warming with a subtle caraway note.
How to Enjoy
Built for classics: a 50/50 martini, a juniper-forward G&T (citrus optional — the gin expects it from your garnish), a gimlet or a Negroni. The 45.2% ABV gives it presence in stirred drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Boodles called Boodles?
It's named for Boodle's Gentlemen's Club in St. James's, London, where it was once poured — Winston Churchill was reportedly a devotee.
Why is Boodles citrus-free?
The original distillers believed a proper drink would include its own lemon or lime slice, so they built the recipe around juniper, herbs and spice instead.
What is the ABV of Boodles gin?
45.2% ABV (90.4 proof) for the US bottling — higher than many London Drys, which shows in cocktails.
A classic with history in every pour — Boodles Original London Dry Gin is ready to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.