Barbers London Dry Gin 40%

Barbers London Dry Gin is a good and honest London Dry Gin. It is fresh and clean with a predominance of juniper. It is very much a gin from the less is more school of gin production. There are just four botanicals used – Croatian juniper, Moroccan coriander, Spanish thyme and French angelica root. Nothing else.

Barbers London Dry Gin is produced in London employing artisanal techniques and is distilled in traditional stills. The name and branding hark back to the mid-18th century when barbers would use gin, the extremely popular alcoholic drink of that particular period, as a lotion for shaving purposes.

As the keen amongst you would have noticed, Barbers London Dry Gin does not contain a citrus botanical, typical of gins from that era and Barbers recommend that it is served simply and Gin & Tonic, nothing more. However, if a touch of citrus flavour is desired, fresh lemon or orange peel can always be added.

Why is it called Barber’s Gin?

Before 1745, the medical and grooming professions were intertwined, with surgeons and barbers often practising together. However, King George II’s decree that year formally separated these roles, restricting barbers to hairdressing and shaving.

Despite this separation, many barbers retained traditional practices, including the use of gin as a shaving lotion. This practice carried over from their past medical involvement, added a unique touch to their services, introducing a refreshing and aromatic element to the barbering experience.