It is not uncommon for supermarkets to o their own brands of spirits, and in the past some of these have been quite successful.
Just look at Lidl’s range of Whiskies, which have been flying off the shelves, and are rated highly by customers and critics alike.
The most recent success story of a supermarket spirit is that of Aldi’s Oliver Cromwell Gin.
This is a London Dry that recently won a Gold award at the 2017 International Wine and Spirits Competiton (IWSC).
This is a big deal. The IWSC can make or break a brand, and to see a Gin that costs less than £10 do so well, especially in the face of stiff competition, is truly something unique.
Aldi beat out brands that costs up to four times as much, and that are solely dedicated to crafting spirits.
After the win, a spokesperson for the competition said, “The display of awards achieved by Aldi this year at the International Spirits Challenge was fantastic. They consistently showcased high quality products in the blind tastings, which demonstrates that you don’t have to compromise on price to enjoy great tasting drinks.”
With the recent boom in interest in Gin and the huge number of craft distilleries appearing all over the world, the win is even more significant.
The Gin itself is undeniably brilliant. The flavours are full and rich, with lots of juniper and citrus notes.
Despite the fact that it’s relatively cheap and only a new brand, it is enough to rival those who have been about for decades.
The nose opens with fresh citrus fruits and coriander. It is wonderfully sweet, with a rich palate and delicate hint of juniper.
The juniper is earthy, with a smooth texture and easy-going feel to it. it fits in wonderfully with the citrus, giving a nice backdrop for the more acidic flavours to bounce off.
The palate is likewise sweet and earthy. It is a perfect example of a good London Dry.
The juniper gives way to a spicier flavour, with a little hint of what could be cardamom and yet more coriander.
The citrus peels really take over on the palate but they mix well with the other flavurs, not overwhelming them but bolstering them instead.
The finish is very drying but tastes amazing. It is full of limes and juniper, giving the perfect end to an amazing Gin.
And all for less than a tenner!