James Gin American Mustard
Gin | 700mL | 40% ABV (80 proof) — James Gin American Mustard (JG.03) is the third expression from the gin brand founded by TV host James May — and the strangest-sounding great gin you'll taste this year. Inspired by quintessential American flavors — the hot dog and the cheeseburger — it was developed by May with Master Distiller Hugh Anderson: the gin is distilled traditionally with juniper, coriander, angelica, and a full botanical bill, then yellow mustard seed, gherkin, and dried tomato are infused after distillation (mustard seed isn't distilled, and the bottle may go slightly cloudy over time — shake to clear). The result is sharp, punchy, and warming, with mustard front and central, briny gherkin countering the heat, and tomato smoothing it out. U.S. retailers also sell this same expression as "American Ramstud." Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Among craft gins, nothing else tastes like this — it drinks like a gin built for Bloody Marys and dirty martinis rather than a classic G&T. The range has picked up retailer-reported medals including Gold at the USA Spirits Ratings, Silver at the World Gin Awards, and Bronze at the London Spirits Competition.
Tasting notes
Nose: herbal, spicy, slightly earthy. Palate: warming spice like ginger beer with savory mustard undertones — light on the tongue with a slight sensation of fire. Finish: long, zesty, savory. Brand copy: "a savoury gin that is both light and warming" (official James Gin notes).
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 700mL, 40% ABV — savory gin with yellow mustard seed, gherkin, and dried tomato
- Third expression (JG.03) from James May's gin brand, made with Master Distiller Hugh Anderson
- Same product U.S. retailers list as "American Ramstud" — one bottle, two names
- Retailer-reported medals: Gold USA Spirits Ratings, Silver World Gin Awards, Bronze London Spirits Competition
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
This gin was born for savory cocktails: a Bloody Mary, a Red Snapper, or a filthy martini with extra brine. Try it in a Gibson with cocktail onions. Skip the delicate floral tonics — pair it with bold mixers that can stand up to the mustard warmth.
Frequently asked questions
Does it actually taste like mustard?
Yes — mustard is front and central, providing warmth while staying light on the tongue, with gherkin brine and tomato rounding it out. It's savory, not sweet.
Why is it called "American Mustard"?
The flavor inspiration is American fast food — hot dogs and cheeseburgers. In the U.S. it's also sold under the alternate label "American Ramstud"; same gin.
I'm allergic to mustard — is this safe?
No — real yellow mustard seed is infused into the finished gin, so anyone with a mustard allergy should avoid it.
Why is my bottle cloudy?
The post-distillation mustard seed infusion can cause slight cloudiness over time. Shake the bottle and it clears — it's harmless.