Chandler Gin NV (12 Bottles)

Chandler Gin NV

A wooden case containing 12 bottles of Chandler Gin produced at Stewart Distilling Co. Philadelphia

Wooden case sealed until inspection, metal wire holding wooden box together was cut prior to inspection, each bottle removed from its original cardboard paper tube for further inspection of seal and ullage, each bottle is varied in shape and fill levels all differ as a result, glass bottles vary slightly in colour - typical of bottles of this age, there is sediment present in some of the bottles and labels are all worn and damaged

TASTING NOTES

By Zev Glesta, Whiskey Specialist, Sotheby's

Nose: Nosing any gin, one would expect the quintessential London-style notes of juniper and sharp alcohol, but not on these old American bottles. The zesty citrus of Meyer lemon meets the floral aromas of the Linden tree. It’s appropriate that this homegrown gin has the native aromas of indigenous basswood (suitably known as Tilia Americana to you dendrology fans), yet it contains an undeniable herbaceous note that could lead you to confuse this for a European liqueur such as Chartreuse.

Pallate: In the mouth the Meyer lemon returns as soft yet zesty citrus, followed by Patchouli and even a mixed bag of hard herbs, but it’s certainly not heavy on the juniper. This Gin drinks very much like a liqueur, with a lush mouthfeel of saffron and the slightest tinge of anise. On tasting more than one bottle of Chandler’s gin, I noticed that there is discernible bottle-to-bottle variation (as one would expect with wine or indeed Chartreuse), some with a more alcoholic kick, some with the mouthcoating sweetness of freshly baked pastries.

Finish: Another variation between bottles is the length of finish, With one often longer than another, which is to be expected with bottles as old as these. But consistent within all was the decadent note of lemon meringue pie, calling back to the sweet citrus note that exemplifies this incredibly rare gin.

Conclusion:

Overall, these bottles are magnificent and unusual artifacts from a time in which Gin was more commonly consumed in Europe and with that signature London style driven by Juniper. This gin is of a uniquely sweet, citrussy style and, after around a century in bottle, drinks most similarly to an Old Raj style with lower proof. I can see this being a perfect ingredient for the classic cocktails of the Era; "Singapore Sling", "Pink Lady" and of course the "French 75"!

Provenance: This case originates from the same source as the Chandler Gin cases and the other Stewart Distilling Co. bottles in this sale.

Some of these bottles are significantly ullaged, which is not unusual for bottles of this age. Please refer to images for ullages and condition. Please note that these bottles are not sealed with a driven cork only, no size or strength stated

12 bottles (wooden case)

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