A bold and savoury choice
The story behind the spirit
why the name?
In 2021, Granddad Jack's expanded its legacy to Albion, a suburb steeped in history and character. The distillery found its home in a community once known for its vibrant market gardens, where the lower-lying marshlands were transformed into fertile grounds that supplied the town with an abundance of fresh produce. These gardens were the heart of the community, a testament to resilience and ingenuity.
Just like those market gardens, Granddad Jack was known for his abundant and beloved garden. A passionate gardener, he took great pride in growing fresh produce, often sharing it generously with neighbours and friends. His garden was not only a source of sustenance but also a symbol of his unwavering commitment to feeding and supporting his community.
Albion also held a special connection to Granddad Jack’s love of horses and the races. Located near the Albion race tracks, the area echoed his lifelong passion for the sport, from his early days of entrepreneurial ventures at the Timaru racecourse to his later years of racing his beloved horse, Sack Cloth. Albion spoke to everything he loved—a harmony of hard work, community, and his enduring spirit of adventure.
Though the Albion distillery chapter was brief, ending in 2024, its spirit lives on in Albion Gin—a bold and savoury creation that captures the essence of its namesake. Inspired by the market gardens of old, Granddad Jack’s generosity, and his passion for the races, the gin honours the land's rich history and the things he held dear.
With a complex and briney flavour profile, Albion Gin is a tribute to those who cultivate, create, and persevere. Every sip is a reminder of the connection between land, passion, and spirit, a nod to Albion’s past, and a celebration of Granddad Jack’s legacy of craftsmanship, pride, and heart.
[The Albion Distillery is pictured]
only the finest ingredients
tasting notes
Botanicals: Pink Oyster Mushrooms, Basil, Soy Sauce, Ginger, Coriander, Orris Root, and Juniper.
Nose: Complex and earthy, with the intriguing aroma of fresh basil and the umami depth of soy sauce. A subtle hint of ginger spice and coriander adds a lively character, balanced by a whisper of juniper to anchor the scent in tradition.
Palate: Rich and savoury, with an initial burst of briney umami from the Pink Oyster Mushrooms and soy sauce. The flavour evolves with warming ginger, fragrant coriander, and herbaceous basil, culminating in a delicate balance of bold, savoury, and subtly sweet notes. Juniper remains present yet understated, allowing the unique botanicals to shine in harmony.
Finish: Long and lingering, with a savoury richness that tapers off into a gentle herbaceous freshness. A slight spice from ginger and a hint of juniper leave the palate refreshed and craving the next sip.
Overall, Granddad Jack’s Albion Gin is a bold, savoury, and distinctive expression of gin artistry. Inspired by Albion's historic market gardens, this gin pays homage to local produce and creativity. Perfect for Dry Martini aficionados and G&T enthusiasts who appreciate a savoury, umami-forward twist to their gin experience.