Whitley Neill Blood Orange Handcrafted Gin

 

Here is a comprehensive article on Whitley Neill Blood Orange Handcrafted Gin, covering its origin, production, flavor profile, uses, common questions (People Also Ask), consumer feedback, and a conclusion. (This is around ~3,000 words.)

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1. Introduction

Whitley Neill Blood Orange Handcrafted Gin is a flavored gin that captures the vibrant, sun-soaked citrus character of Sicilian blood oranges. More than just a novelty or sweet gin, it’s designed to evoke the warmth, zest, and brightness of the Mediterranean — a tribute to a family’s history, travel, and distilling heritage.

Produced by Whitley Neill (part of the Halewood group), this gin is part of a broader flavored gin range but stands out thanks to its citrus-forward profile and well-balanced botanical blend. Whether you’re using it in a refreshing gin & tonic, a creative cocktail, or sipping it neat, Whitley Neill Blood Orange offers a gateway into citrus gins without being cloyingly sweet.

In what follows, I explore its story, how it’s made, what it tastes like, how to drink it, what people commonly ask, and common praise and criticisms — finishing with an overall reflection on its place in a gin collection.

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2. Origins & Brand Background

2.1 The Whitley Neill Distilling Legacy

The Whitley Neill gin brand is rooted in a long family tradition of distilling. The Neill family’s history extends over eight generations, emphasizing a passion for exploration and craft. (whitleyneill.com)

The modern Whitley Neill gin line was launched by Johnny Neill, an 8th-generation distiller, who draws on his family’s spirit of adventure, combined with a respect for traditional botanical distillation. (Wikipedia)

Originally, their London Dry style included more unusual botanicals beyond juniper — such as Baobab fruit and Cape Gooseberry, reflecting Johnny Neill’s global outlook. (Wikipedia) In 2021, production moved to the City of London Distillery, which revives the historic spirit of gin distilling in London. (Wikipedia)

2.2 Birth of the Blood Orange Expression

The genesis of the Blood Orange Gin dates to a deeply personal story: Frederick Neill (an ancestor) and his new wife honeymooned in Sicily. During their time there, they fell in love not just with each other but with the vibrant citrus groves and the flavor of Sicilian blood oranges. (whitleyneill.com)

Using that memory, the Neill family crafted a gin recipe designed to evoke the taste, aroma, and spirit of that honeymoon — combining their distilling know-how with the bright, juicy character of blood orange. (halewoodsales.com)

This emotional origin makes the Blood Orange Gin more than just a flavored spirit — it’s a tribute to love, place, and craft.

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3. Production & Botanical Profile

3.1 Distillation & Base Spirit

• The gin is distilled at City of London Distillery, using antique copper pot stills. (bbcspirits.com)
• According to the brand, they use a 100% grain neutral spirit, steeped with botanicals before distillation. (i-d-s.com)
• The distillation approach is traditional: botanicals are macerated, then the spirit is distilled in copper pot stills, which helps preserve delicate citrus and botanical aromas. (i-d-s.com)

3.2 Botanicals

Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin features a carefully selected botanical blend that complements the citrus:

• Juniper berries – the classic gin backbone. (whitleyneill.com)
• Coriander seed – for spice and citrus undertones. (whitleyneill.com)
• Cassia bark – adding a warm spice dimension. (whitleyneill.com)
• Orris root – for floral complexity and body. (whitleyneill.com)
• Angelica root – providing earthiness and balance. (whitleyneill.com)
• Liquorice root – contributing a soft sweetness and depth. (whitleyneill.com)
• Sweet orange peel – bright and familiar orange citrus. (whitleyneill.com)
• Lemon peel – adding zesty brightness. (Matthew Clark)
• Sicilian blood orange (Sanguine orange) – the signature flavor, giving a distinctively bright, tangy, slightly sweet citrus burst. (whitleyneill.com)

This botanical lineup is designed to bring forward citrus notes while still feeling like a “real” gin, not just a flavored liqueur.

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4. Alcohol Content & Variants

• ABV (Alcohol by Volume): According to Matthew Clark, the Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin has an ABV of 43%. (Matthew Clark)
• Some sources (like the St Austell spec sheet) mention 41.3%, indicating possible batch or regional variation. (staustellbrewery.co.uk)
• The gin is typically offered in a 70 cl (700 ml) bottle, though availability may vary by market. (Matthew Clark)

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5. Tasting Profile

5.1 Aroma (Nose)

• Bright Citrus: The most immediate impression is zesty and fresh, with Sicilian blood orange being the dominant citrus note. (bbcspirits.com)
• Juniper Presence: Though it’s a flavored gin, the juniper remains present, giving a piney herbal backbone. (MegaRetailer)
• Warm Spice: Cassia bark and angelica root bring a subtle cinnamon/warmth feel. (whitleyneill.com)
• Sweet & Herbal Undertones: Liquorice and orris root contribute a gentle sweetness and floral-herbal base. (whitleyneill.com)

5.2 Taste (Palate)

• Juicy Citrus Burst: On the palate, the blood orange flavor is prominent — ripe, tangy, and sweet in a way that feels natural, not artificial. (bbcspirits.com)
• Clean and Crisp: The gin feels clean, with a smooth mouthfeel — not overly syrupy. (Liquor Library)
• Botanical Balance: Juniper, coriander, and citrus interplay well, maintaining gin complexity. (MegaRetailer)
• Soft Sweetness: The liquorice adds a gentle sweetness, but it’s well integrated, not dominating. (House of Townend)

5.3 Finish

• Lively & Precise: According to BBC Spirits, the finish is lively and precise — citrus fades but lingers in a pleasant way. (bbcspirits.com)
• Longer Citrus Echo: The blood orange note stays subtly toward the end, giving a lingering citrus impression. (delicando.com)
• Mild Herbal Warmth: Hints of cassia and orris root remain, contributing to a rounded, slightly warming conclusion. (whitleyneill.com)

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6. How to Serve & Use Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin

This gin’s citrus-forward profile makes it extremely versatile. Here are some recommended ways to enjoy it:

1. Gin & Tonic
   • Serve over plenty of ice in a highball or copa glass.
   • Use a gentle or Mediterranean-style tonic to support citrus rather than overpower it.
   • Garnish with an orange wheel (blood orange if available), or a twist of lemon for extra zest. (House of Townend)
2. Spritz / Long Drink
   • Try a Blood Orange Spritz: mix 50 ml gin, 50 ml soda water, 25 ml Prosecco, and garnish with blood orange slices. (staustellbrewery.co.uk)
   • This is a refreshing, bright drink — great for warm afternoons.
3. Cocktails
   • Negroni Arancioni: As shared on Reddit, a creative riff uses 1 oz Blood Orange gin, Cocchi Americano, dry vermouth, a dash of black lemon bitters, and optionally a little amaro. (Reddit)
   • Orange Gin Fizz: Combine blood orange gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh orange & lemon juice, and a blood orange soda or soda water. >
     

     “1 oz Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin, 0.5 oz elderflower, 0.75 oz orange juice, 0.25 oz lemon juice, 1 oz blood orange soda.” (Reddit)

   • Gin Sour or Collins: Blend gin with lemon juice and a light sweetener (simple syrup or even agave) then top with soda for a citrusy, floral drink.
4. Neat or on Ice
   • Because of its bright citrus and clean profile, it’s possible (though less common) to sip neat or over a large ice cube.
   • Sipping allows the subtler botanical notes (juniper, cassia, orris) to emerge.

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7. Awards & Recognition

Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin has earned notable accolades:

• 2021 Gin Masters — Gold Winner. (royalbatch.com)
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition — multiple Silver wins. (royalbatch.com)
• London Spirits Competition — Silver. (royalbatch.com)
• According to the brand website, it has also earned 2022 World Spirits Award Silver. (whitleyneill.com)

These awards reflect its quality as a flavored gin, especially appealing to those who appreciate a citrus-led botanical profile.

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8. People Also Ask — Common Google-Style Questions & Answers

Below are some questions people frequently ask about Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin, together with well-researched answers.

Q1: What is the ABV of Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin?
Answer:

• According to Matthew Clark, the ABV is 43%. (Matthew Clark)
• However, some sources (like St Austell’s spec sheet) mention 41.3%, which may reflect batch or regional variation. (staustellbrewery.co.uk)

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Q2: What botanicals are in Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin?
Answer:
Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin is made with a botanical blend including:

• Juniper berries (whitleyneill.com)
• Coriander seed (whitleyneill.com)
• Cassia bark (whitleyneill.com)
• Orris root (whitleyneill.com)
• Angelica root (whitleyneill.com)
• Liquorice root (whitleyneill.com)
• Sweet orange peel (whitleyneill.com)
• Lemon peel (Matthew Clark)
• Sicilian blood orange extract (or flavor) (whitleyneill.com)

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Q3: Where is Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin made?
Answer:

• It is distilled at the City of London Distillery in London, England. (bbcspirits.com)
• The brand’s heritage traces back to the Neill family’s long distilling lineage, but the modern production happens in this historic gin hub. (Wikipedia)

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Q4: What does Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin taste like?
Answer:

• Aroma (Nose): Bright, zesty citrus (blood orange), warm spice, herbal undertones. (bbcspirits.com)
• Palate/Taste: Juicy blood orange, clean citrus, smooth botanical balance (juniper, coriander, cassia, orris), and a gentle sweetness from liquorice. (Liquor Library)
• Finish: Lively and precise, with citrus lingering and a mild herbal warmth. (bbcspirits.com)

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Q5: Is Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin sweet?
Answer:

• It has a sweetness, but it’s not syrupy or overly sugary. The sweet citrus character mostly comes from the blood orange, rather than added sugar. (MegaRetailer)
• Some drinkers may find it fruity and bright rather than dessert-sweet; it balances citrus flavor with traditional gin botanicals.

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Q6: How should I serve Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin?
Answer:
There are several excellent serving options:

• Gin & Tonic: Use plenty of ice, a mild tonic, and garnish with an orange wheel. (House of Townend)
• Spritz / Long Drink: Try a Blood Orange Spritz using soda water or lemonade + prosecco. (staustellbrewery.co.uk)
• Cocktails: Use it in citrus-forward or creative cocktails (Negroni Arancioni, Orange Fizz, etc.).
• Neat or On Ice: You can sip it alone or with a large cube to bring out botanicals.

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Q7: Is Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin good in cocktails?
Answer:
Yes — it works very well in cocktails where citrus brightness is desired.

• Negroni Arancioni (blood orange version) — popular among gin fans. (Reddit)
• Gin Fizz / Sour — mixes beautifully with lemon, orange, elderflower, etc. (Reddit)
• G&T — the citrus works naturally with tonic water complemented by orange garnishes.

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Q8: Is Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin vegan / gluten-free?
Answer:

• According to the spec sheet from St Austell, the gin is gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. (staustellbrewery.co.uk)
• As it’s made from grain spirit, but distilled, the end product typically contains no gluten proteins (common for most gins), but always check with the specific batch if that is a concern.

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Q9: What awards has Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin won?
Answer:
Notable awards include:

• Gin Masters 2021 — Gold. (royalbatch.com)
• London Spirits Competition 2022 — Silver. (whitleyneill.com)
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition — several Silver awards. (royalbatch.com)
• World Spirits Award 2022 — Silver. (whitleyneill.com)

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9. Pros & Cons

Here is a balanced look at the strengths and potential downsides of Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin:

Pros

1. Bright, Natural Citrus Flavor: The Sicilian blood orange adds a vibrant, zesty citrus note that feels clean and refreshing.
2. Balanced Botanical Blend: Beyond citrus, the gin retains classic botanicals, giving it depth and complexity.
3. Versatility: Great for G&T, spritz-style drinks, cocktails, or even sipping.
4. Craft Heritage: Distilled by a family with deep history and tradition; the story of the honeymoon gives it emotional resonance.
5. Award-Winning: Recognized in several major spirits competitions, demonstrating its quality.
6. Dietary Friendly: Gluten-free and vegan-friendly according to spec sheets. (staustellbrewery.co.uk)

Cons

1. Sweetness Perception: While not overly sweet, some drinkers might find the blood orange flavor too pronounced or candylike.
2. Flavored Gin Stigma: Purist gin drinkers may view flavored gins as less “serious” or too gimmicky.
3. Availability / Batch Variation: As with many flavored gins, availability can vary by region.
4. Artificial Feel (for Some): A few consumers (e.g., on Reddit) describe the flavor as “artificial” or too orange-forward. (Reddit)
5. Less Juniper-Forward: The citrus flavor may mask or downplay juniper for those who prefer a traditional gin flavor profile.

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10. Consumer Feedback & Criticism

Here’s what real gin drinkers are saying about Whitley Neill Blood Orange, from reviews and community discussions.

Positive Feedback

• Many enthusiasts enjoy the bright citrus profile. One user on Reddit said they loved the “current summer gin” feel:
  

  “I think the orange variety … has been my official summer drink this year.” (Reddit)

• In cocktail circles, particularly the Negroni Arancioni, people appreciate how the blood orange gin adds a citrus twist without overpowering the bitter and herbal components. (Reddit)
• Others suggest that with soda water (rather than tonic), the sweetness becomes more palatable and becomes a refreshing drink. (Reddit)

Criticisms

• Some find it too sweet or candy-like. > “Very sweet/artificial … I don’t think I’d buy it again.” (Reddit)
• A few were disappointed: > “Don’t buy their blood orange gin. It tastes like someone whispered ‘orange’ to Windex.” (Reddit)
• For some, the botanical depth feels lacking: they feel the gin leans heavily on orange rather than showcasing complex, classic gin flavors.
• Availability and shipping are an issue for some:
  

  “I wish it was more widely available … I paid double to have 4 bottles shipped here from London.” (Reddit)

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11. People Also Ask – More Questions & Answers

Here are some additional “people also ask”–style questions pulled from common consumer curiosities, along with researched responses:

Q: Can I mix Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin with other citrus juices?
Answer:
Yes — because of its bright citrus character, it mixes particularly well with other citrus juices like grapefruit, lemon, or even lime. It can make a fruity, refreshing cocktail when combined with sparkling water or soda. Some recommend an Orange Paloma style serve: 50 ml gin + fresh lime + grapefruit juice + thyme or orange garnish. (MegaRetailer)

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Q: Does Whitley Neill make other flavored gins?
Answer:
Yes. The Whitley Neill range includes many flavored gins, such as Rhubarb & Ginger, Blackberry, Parma Violet, Pink Grapefruit, and more. (House of Townend) Their core (non-flavored) gin continues the family tradition with unique botanicals.

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Q: Is Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin natural or made with artificial flavorings?
Answer:
The brand emphasizes a “handcrafted” gin flavor derived from real botanicals including Sicilian blood orange. (whitleyneill.com) While this suggests a more natural flavoring approach, as with many flavored gins, some consumers perceive it as slightly sweet or “candylike.” That said, there is no official indication that they rely heavily on artificial flavoring rather than botanical extracts.

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Q: What is the best garnish for Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin?
Answer:

• A blood orange slice or wheel is ideal, reinforcing the gin’s signature citrus. (MegaRetailer)
• Lemon twist or a thin slice of lemon can also work, bringing out the gin’s zesty notes.
• For a spritz serve, adding blood orange segments or a sprig of fresh herb (like thyme) brings both aroma and visual appeal.

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12. Comparison with Other Citrus / Flavored Gins

To understand the place of Whitley Neill Blood Orange in the broader gin world, it helps to compare it with other citrus gins.

• Versus Sevilla / Valencian Orange Gins: Many orange gins focus on sweet or marmalade-orange notes. Compared to those, the blood orange gin is often slightly more tangy and less jammy, because blood oranges have a more complex citrus-acid balance.
• Versus Grapefruit Gins: Grapefruit gins lean more tart and bitter; blood orange gin offers a sweeter and rounder citrus.
• Versus Modern “New Western” Citrus Gins: Whitley Neill’s expression is more traditional in botanical structure, maintaining strong gin characteristics, not becoming a liqueur-like citrus bomb.

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13. Pros & Cons (Revisited)

Let’s deepen the pros/cons assessment in light of consumer feedback, brand history, and comparative context.

Pros:

1. Memorable Story & Heritage: Strong emotional and historical packaging (Sicilian honeymoon) adds depth.
2. Bright, Real Citrus Flavor: The blood orange is vibrant yet clean.
3. Botanical Integrity: Maintains classic gin botanicals alongside citrus.
4. Award-Winning: Recognized in multiple spirit competitions.
5. Versatility: Works in G&T, spritz, cocktails, and possibly as a sipping gin.
6. Diet-Friendly: Gluten-free and vegan-certified.

Cons:

1. Sweetness Level: May feel too “sweet” or candy-like for some.
2. Perceived Artificial Flavor: A subset of drinkers describe the flavor as unnatural or “orange water.”
3. Limited Botanical Punch: Those who prefer strong juniper or herbal gin may find it lacks depth.
4. Availability / Cost: May be harder to find locally, depending on region; shipping or import could mark-up price.
5. Flavored Gin Stigma: Some gin purists don’t take flavored gin seriously, seeing them more as novelty.

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14. Conclusion

Whitley Neill Blood Orange Handcrafted Gin is a beautifully conceived flavored gin — one that combines tradition, craft, and citrus exuberance. Inspired by a family honeymoon in Sicily, the gin brings to life the zesty, sweet, and slightly tangy essence of Sicilian blood oranges, backed by a solid botanical core of juniper, coriander, cassia, orris, and more.

Its flavor profile is bright, citrus-forward, and clean. It’s not overwhelmingly sweet, yet offers enough fruit character to make it refreshing and fun in both simple and complex cocktails. The sip is smooth, and the finish leaves a delicate citrus echo.

While not without its critics — particularly among those who find it too sweet or “candylike” — it remains a favorite for many who love fruit-forward gin or are seeking something less traditional and more playful. It’s ideal for gin & tonic lovers, spritz fans, and creative home bartenders alike.

Verdict: Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin is a highly recommended flavored gin for anyone who appreciates citrus and light sweetness, but also wants a true gin backbone. It is a standout in the world of citrus gins: accessible, elegant, and evocative of Mediterranean sunshine.

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