Every time Hendrick's opens up its Cabinet of Curiosities, you know it really does get them gin lovers going! 

This time, we have the Hendrick's Grand Cabaret joining the string of experimental Hendrick's Gins that have been released to date. This new gin is said to be inspired by popular eau-de-vies that were jubilantly drank at chic Parisian parties in the 1900s, which in turn were developed from earlier 17th century French recipes for distilling various stone fruits. 

Lesley Gracie, Hendrick's Master Distiller and the ever-enthusiastic creator of every new expressions from Hendrick's Cabinet of Curiosities thus far, explained: “I’m always looking for inspiration, and this time I found it leafing through historical recipes for stone fruit spirits, eaux-de-vies, peach schnapps, cherry liqueurs and the like way back when those indulgent stone fruit flavours were really the ‘in thing’ for those that had the means to celebrate in spectacular style." 

The exact stone fruits used in this botanical bills are kept secret, as is the case with other Cabinet of Curiosities expressions from Hendrick's so far. Though rumours online have placed apricots, peaches, and mirabelle plums as the main suspects. 

After a brief stint as a Duty Free exclusive, the Hendrick's Grand Cabaret is now finally available on retail shelves worldwide. At a recent event celebrating its launch in Asia, I got the chance to try the new expression for myself! Let's get to it! 

Hendrick's Grand Cabaret, 43.4% ABV - Tasting Notes

Color: Clear

Aroma: Vibrant, candied and lush with aromas of peach gummies, apricot jam and fresh prunes. There is a bold fruity sweetness here, that melds with notes of elderflower and a touch of citrus. 

Flavor: An absolute stone fruit bouquet! There's a decadence and boldness that comes through here - think ripe peach juice, crushed apricots and fresh cherries. Slowly, the palatte evolves to welcome notes of rosewater, elderflower and orange jam. There's barely any heat here, what with only a subtle prickle of pepper appearing towards the finish. 

Finish: Long, with lingering sweetness of peach candies and elderflower. 

My Thoughts

🧺🍑🍒

This is an unabashed fruit basket of an expression! It brings to mind the experience of biting into a fresh peach and tasting its ripe juice. This gin feels lush and decadent thanks to its fruit-centricity, yet somehow still maintains a certain refreshing lightness and perk, thanks to the presence of elderflower and citrus. Those who are unabashed about their love for fruity, sweeter style contemporary gins will have no problem working their way through a bottle.

Also, if you were a fan of the Hendrick's Midsummer Solstice or perhaps you liked the floral aspect of Hendrick's Flora Adora but wanted something slightly less potpourri, I'd say the Hendrick's Grand Cabaret would be a good candidate for something in a similar fruit-forward, floral-accented vein! 

Hendrick's Grand Cabaret in a Cocktail

Given how flavour-forward and fruity this gin is in and of itself, I feel that this gin is best drunk in simple cocktails without too much embellishment needed from additional syrups and fruits. I'd recommend a simple elderflower tonic or some lemon juice and soda to pair with it. 

I also got the chance to try the Grand Cabaret in a Hendrick's Iced Tea - which is a straightforward mix of 1 part Grand Cabaret Gin, 2 parts lemon tea and 2 parts soda water. This was an easy summery thirst quencher I could see myself mixing up in a jiffy. The understated earthy fragrance of tea really worked to bring out those peach notes, and I'd definitely recommend you giving it a try too with any kind of black tea! 

With juniper and joy,