French Flavoured Gin

The French distilling scene has recently taken on the challenge of crafting flavoured gin infused with a range of edgy and exciting flavours. This harmonious marriage between classic French distilling techniques and the globally-loved spirit of gin has given birth to a spectrum of uniquely flavoured gins.

Historically, France's foray into the world of spirits has been marked by a devotion to terroir — the idea that the land, climate, and environment impart distinctive characteristics to a drink. This philosophy, intrinsic to French winemaking, is now being applied to gin. French gin distillers often utilise locally-sourced botanicals, each carefully chosen to echo a particular region’s essence. From the lavender fields of Provence to the salty coastal herbs of Brittany, these gins are a liquid reflection of France's diverse landscapes.

A standout in French flavoured gin is the inclusion of grape-based spirits. Regions like Cognac or the Languedoc, with their rich viticultural traditions, are producing gins where grape spirit forms the base, rather than the more traditional grain spirit. This provides a smoother, fruitier foundation, perfect for layering with botanicals. Some gins even incorporate grape flowers or vine blossoms, offering a gentle nod to the nation's winemaking legacy.

In terms of flavour, the palette is vast and varied. While juniper remains a constant, French gins often showcase flavours like lemon verbena, rose, elderflower, and even truffle. Some distillers take inspiration from the French kitchen, experimenting with ingredients like saffron or chestnut, which lend depth and a culinary twist to the gin.