Overview: Lesley Gracie, master distiller at Hendrick’s Gin, has pushed the limits of innovation with her new expression combining cacao and orange blossom flavors. This bold move reflects Gracie’s passion for experimentation and commitment to redefining the gin category.
The Full Story
Lesley Gracie is a master distiller who sees flavor in shapes, not just tastes. She has spent decades perfecting her craft at Hendrick’s Gin Palace in Scotland, combining two antique stills – Bennett and Carter-Head – to create a unique blend of botanicals that sets the brand apart. With this new cacao and orange blossom expression, Gracie continues her tradition of innovation.
Gracie’s journey with gin began as a chemist working for William Grant & Sons. She was tasked by Charles Gordon, great-grandson of William Grant, to create a unique gin in 1999. The challenge led her to experiment with dual distillates and finishings that resulted in Hendrick’s signature flavor profile.
Over the years, Gracie has continued to push boundaries, incorporating regional botanicals and experimenting with new combinations. Her curiosity is contagious; she travels extensively searching for new plants and flavors to incorporate into her gins. In 2013, a chance encounter led her deep into southwest Venezuela where she discovered entirely new species.
Production & Profile
The cacao and orange blossom gin is the result of Gracie’s latest experimentations at Hendrick’s Gin Palace in Scotland. She paired cacao with different blossoms until finding a combination that worked well with orange blossom, lifting its richness without overpowering it.
The resulting gin still reads unmistakably as Hendrick’s – juniper-forward and smooth – but sits “in a totally different place” on Gracie’s internal flavor map. The profile reflects her personal obsessions: chocolate and flowers.
Brand & Industry History
Hendrick’s Gin has come a long way since its launch in 1999, helping usher in a new wave of gins beyond the traditional London Dry style. Gracie’s work at Hendrick’s has inspired distillers worldwide to experiment more freely and push boundaries.
Gracie credits her mentor Charles Gordon for giving her the freedom to create something “totally different.” The brand’s signature stills, Bennett and Carter-Head, have become iconic symbols of innovation in gin production. Gracie continues this legacy with the cacao and orange blossom expression.
What This Means
The release of Hendrick’s new cacao and orange blossom gin is a testament to Lesley Gracie’s dedication to redefining the category. By combining seemingly disparate flavors, she has created something entirely new while still honoring her brand’s signature style.
This innovation will undoubtedly inspire other distillers to explore uncharted territories in gin production. As Gracie herself notes, “There are still plants I haven’t tried, combinations I haven’t tested… the gin path just keeps on going and gets wider.” This attitude is precisely what has driven Hendrick’s Gin to become a leader in innovation.
Consumer Takeaway
This new expression from Hendrick’s Gin invites consumers to rethink their expectations of this classic spirit. The cacao and orange blossom combination offers an exciting departure from traditional gin flavors, allowing enthusiasts to explore new territories with confidence.
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