A gin infused with natural jasmine flowers and inspired by a 16th-century Dutch explorer has been introduced in the UK.
Willem Barentsz is a small batch, pot-distilled London gin combining botanicals from around the world including orange peel and almonds from Spain, angelica root and coriander from eastern Europe, liquorice and cassia bark from Asia and Italian orris root and juniper berries.
The addition of natural jasmine blossom lends a gently scented profile and a distinct aftertaste without overpowering the classic botanicals and ensuring the juniper remains present.
The brand is inspired by 16th-century Dutch explorer, Captain Willem Barentsz, whose pioneering spirit led him repeatedly to the Arctic in search of the Northeast passage.
His story struck a chord with the brand’s founder, Michael Claessens, who wanted to create a gin because of his family’s passion for creating successful spirits brands and their Dutch heritage.
Willem Barentsz is made with a split base of wheat and rye grains. The wheat brings a crisp and lively mouthfeel and the rye complements this with a depth, roundness and sweetness.
Willem Barentsz is recommended for a “refined” gin and tonic but also as a versatile spirit in cocktails such as a Red Snapper and the signature Jasmine Fizz.
It is distributed in the UK via VDS UK and is available from Enotria & Coe and Speciality Drinks.
Jasmine Fizz
50ml Willem Barentsz Gin
1 segment pomelo supreme, peeled and segmented (or 2 segments of pink/white grapefruit)
25ml Lemon juice
20ml Jasmine flower syrup
15ml Egg white
Soda
Muddle the pomelo with the gin and lemon juice. Add all ingredients except the soda to a shaker, shake and strain into a highball. Top up with the soda and garnish with a jasmine flower and pomelo peel.
