Whitley Neill Quince Handcrafted Gin

 

Here’s a detailed, in-depth article on Whitley Neill Quince Handcrafted Gin, with coverage of its origins, production, botanical profile, tasting notes, usage, frequent consumer questions (“People Also Ask”), controversies or criticisms, and a conclusion. (Approx. 3,000+ words.)

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Origins & Brand Background
3. Inspiration Behind the Quince Expression
4. Production & Distillation
5. Botanical Profile
6. Alcohol Strength & Variants
7. Tasting Profile (Nose, Palate, Finish)
8. How to Serve & Use Whitley Neill Quince Gin
9. Recommended Cocktails & Signature Serves
10. Awards & Recognition
11. Consumer Feedback & Criticisms
12. People Also Ask — FAQ Section
13. Pros & Cons
14. Conclusion

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1. Introduction

Whitley Neill Quince Handcrafted Gin is a flavored or “craft-fruit” gin that brings together the exotic sweetness of Turkish quince with a carefully chosen selection of botanicals. Unlike a standard London Dry gin, this expression leans into stone-fruit character, delivering a textured, fruity spirit that still retains traditional gin roots. It is meant to evoke a sense of adventure, heritage, and discovery.

This gin is especially appealing to those who love fruit-forward gins but want a balance: not a liqueur, but a true gin with depth. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a gin collector, or just curious, Whitley Neill Quince offers a compelling drinking experience.

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2. Origins & Brand Background

To fully appreciate the Quince Gin, it’s useful to understand the brand and its heritage.

• Whitley Neill is a gin brand with deep distilling roots. Johnny Neill, the modern master distiller behind the brand, is an eighth-generation distiller. (Wikipedia)
• The brand operates (or at least sources) via Halewood Wines & Spirits.
• According to Wikipedia, the company’s distillation is now done at City of London Distillery, which they moved to in recent years. (Wikipedia)
• The general philosophy of Whitley Neill revolves around a “taste for adventure and discovery”, as the brand repeatedly emphasizes. (whitleyneill.com)
• Their flavored gin line includes a variety of expressions (blood orange, rhubarb & ginger, etc.), and the Quince is one of their more fruit-centered, slightly exotic offerings. (HISÚMER)

This foundation of tradition + exploration directly feeds into the narrative and flavor profile of Quince Gin.

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3. Inspiration Behind the Quince Expression

Why “Quince”? What motivated Whitley Neill to make a quince gin?

• According to the Whitley Neill website, the idea comes from Frederick Neill, an ancestor of Johnny Neill, who traveled through Persia (modern-day Iran/Turkey). (whitleyneill.com)
• While journeying in that region, Frederick is said to have encountered quince fruits growing in the ancient mountains, which made a deep impression. (whitleyneill.com)
• The brand explicitly ties the gin’s flavor to this heritage: “the unmistakable sweet tang of Turkish quince, blended with a heady mix of Persian herbs and spices.” (royalbatch.com)
• This backstory gives the gin both a place-based authenticity (Turkish quince) and a narrative of exploration — a core part of Whitley Neill’s brand identity.

Therefore, the Quince expression is not just a “fruit-flavored gin,” but a homage to family history and distant lands.

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4. Production & Distillation

Understanding how the gin is made sheds light on its quality and character.

1. Base Spirit
   • Whitley Neill Quince Gin starts from a grain-neutral spirit, which provides a clean canvas for botanical expression. (DRINKSDELI)
   • This spirit is macerated or infused with botanicals (including quince) before distillation or flavoring.
2. Botanical Infusion
   • The brand lists nine botanicals for the Quince Gin: juniper berries, coriander seed, cassia bark, orris root, angelica root, liquorice root, sweet orange, lemon peel, and quince. (whitleyneill.com)
   • These botanicals combine classic gin character (juniper, citrus, roots) with the fruit-forward quince.
3. Distillation Process
   • While Whitley Neill’s original and other gins are distilled in a copper pot still, it is not 100% clear if the Quince expression is redistilled after flavoring (some flavored gins are not fully redistilled, but rather macerated). The brand calls it “handcrafted,” implying careful infusion or distillation. (royalbatch.com)
   • The tradition of pot-still distillation helps preserve rich, complex botanical compounds and gives a smoother, more layered spirit.
4. Bottling Proof & Quality Control
   • The gin is bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof). (royalbatch.com)
   • Whitley Neill emphasizes quality and heritage; their flavored gins are not simply cheap liqueur imitations, but well-crafted variants designed to taste like gin, not sweet syrup.

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5. Botanical Profile

Here is a more in-depth look at the botanicals used in Whitley Neill Quince Gin, drawing from brand sources and botanical lore.

• Juniper Berries: The cornerstone of any gin, providing the piney, resinous, herbal backbone. (whitleyneill.com)
• Coriander Seed: Adds citrus and spicy-earthy notes, enhancing depth. (whitleyneill.com)
• Cassia Bark: A warm spice (related to cinnamon), gives a gentle spiced warmth. (whitleyneill.com)
• Orris Root: Adds subtle floral (violet-like) and earthy tones, acting as a fixative for flavors. (whitleyneill.com)
• Angelica Root: Earthy, slightly herbal, helps bind and round the gin’s profile. (whitleyneill.com)
• Liquorice Root: Contributes mild sweetness, depth, and a lingering richness. (whitleyneill.com)
• Sweet Orange Peel: A bright, sunny citrus note. (whitleyneill.com)
• Lemon Peel: Supports the citrus layer with sharper, zesty notes. (HISÚMER)
• Quince (Turkish Quince): The defining fruit — tart, stone-fruit like, with pear-apple undertones, giving the gin its signature fruity tang. (whitleyneill.com)

This botanical mix is relatively focused: it does not have dozens of ingredients, but a carefully chosen set that centers the quince experience while still preserving a gin structure.

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6. Alcohol Strength & Variants

• ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 43%, according to multiple sources. (royalbatch.com)
• Bottle Size: Commonly found in a 70 cl (700 ml) bottle. (VIP Bottles)
• Variant Notes: The Quince Gin is one among several flavored Whitley Neill gins — it’s part of a broader portfolio that includes blood orange, rhubarb & ginger, violet, etc. (HISÚMER)
• No mention in reliable sources of a barrel-aged or limited edition quince version — this is primarily a fruit-forward flavored gin, not an aged or “reserve” style.

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7. Tasting Profile

Here is a detailed sensory breakdown of how Whitley Neill Quince Gin tastes: nose, palate, and finish.

7.1 Aroma (Nose)

• The first impression is of fresh stone fruits — quince provides a fruitiness reminiscent of pear or apple, but also very distinct. (whitleyneill.com)
• Underneath that fruit layer, you pick up juniper (classic gin) and citrus zest (orange/lemon), giving brightness to the nose. (royalbatch.com)
• The brand also describes a “heady mix of Persian herbs and spices” in their backstory, though aroma-wise, citrus and fruit dominate before more subtle spicy or herbal notes emerge. (whitleyneill.com)
• According to TheGinIsIn review, there are also hints of apple, pear syrup, and a touch of baking spice on the nose. (the GIN is IN)

7.2 Palate (Taste)

• On entry, there is a viscous or slightly syrupy texture, making it feel richer than a standard dry gin. (the GIN is IN)
• The quince flavor dominates, with tartness that leans toward pear/apple-like fruit rather than overly citric. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
• Behind or alongside that fruit, there’s sweetness reminiscent of apricots and peaches, according to Royal Batch’s tasting notes. (royalbatch.com)
• Mid-palate, you may detect juniper, soft spice (cassia), and herbal undertones (from orris and angelica). (the GIN is IN)
• According to TheGinIsIn, there is a “saccharine note” akin to sugared pear or canned fruit; it’s not overly dry, but not a syrup liqueur either. (the GIN is IN)

7.3 Finish

• The finish is long and fruity, says the brand, opening into notes of orange blossom and zesty grapefruit. (royalbatch.com)
• According to Delicando, after the fruit, there’s a lingering citrus spiciness. (delicando.com)
• There is integrated sweetness — not cloying, but as part of the fruit journey rather than a simple sugar hit.

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8. How to Serve & Use Whitley Neill Quince Gin

Given its fruity and slightly sweet character, there are many great ways to enjoy this gin.

1. Gin & Tonic (G&T)
   • Use a highball or copa glass, plenty of ice.
   • Use a lighter tonic rather than one that is very bitter or quinine-heavy so as not to mask the quince fruit.
   • Garnish suggestion: pear slice, quince slice, or orange peel to emphasize the fruit and citrus layers.
2. Long Drink / Spritz
   • Combine gin with soda water and a splash of grapefruit or lemon juice for a refreshing serve.
   • Alternatively, make a spritz: Quince Gin + Prosecco + soda water + fresh fruit slices (peach, pear) would highlight its fruitiness.
3. Fruit-forward Cocktails
   • Quince Collins: Quince Gin + lemon juice + simple syrup (if needed) + soda water, garnished with citrus.
   • Quince Martini / Sour: Use Quince Gin, some dry vermouth (or none, if you prefer sweet), maybe a dash of orange or peach liqueur, and lemon or grapefruit juice.
   • Autumn / Harvest Cocktail: Pair with apple cider, perhaps sparkling cider, or a splash of pear liqueur for a seasonal drink.
4. Sipping Neat or On Ice
   • Because of its viscous texture and strong fruit character, it works well neat or over a large ice cube.
   • This way, you can appreciate the quince fruit, citrus, and botanical complexity more clearly.

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9. Recommended Cocktails & Signature Serves

Here are some creative or classic serves tailored for Quince Gin:

• Quince Gin Fizz:
  • 50 ml Whitley Neill Quince Gin
  • 20 ml fresh lemon juice
  • 15 ml simple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness)
  • Shake with ice, strain into a highball, top with soda water, garnish with a lemon twist.
• Quince Negroni:
  • 30 ml Quince Gin
  • 30 ml sweet vermouth
  • 30 ml Campari
  • Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass, garnish with orange peel — this adaptation plays on the fruitiness.
• Quince Spritz:
  • 50 ml Quince Gin
  • 50 ml sparkling wine (Prosecco or dry sparkling)
  • 50 ml soda water
  • Serve in a large wine glass, garnish with a slice of pear or quince (if available).
• Quince & Elderflower Collins:
  • 50 ml Quince Gin
  • 25 ml elderflower cordial or liqueur
  • 25 ml lemon juice
  • Top with soda water
  • Garnish: lemon wheel + sprig of thyme or mint for aroma.

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10. Awards & Recognition

Whitley Neill Quince Gin has received notable accolades:

• It won Gold in the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC). (whitleyneill.com)
• According to Manila-Wine, it also received a Gold at the 2018 IWSC and a Bronze at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. (manila-wine.com)

These awards underscore that the Quince expression is not just a novelty flavor — it’s well regarded in competitive spirits circles.

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11. Consumer Feedback & Criticisms

What do real gin drinkers say about Whitley Neill Quince Gin? Here’s a synthesis of user reviews, Reddit threads, and community sentiment.

Positive Feedback

• On Reddit, one user says:
  

  “I love it … It’s very sweet … almost syrupy in texture and honey-esque flavor profile.” (Reddit)

• That same thread notes it’s very different from a traditional dry gin, with the predominant flavor being “spiced pears.” (Reddit)
• According to TheGinIsIn, the texture and sweetness make it appealing, “deceptively strong” at 43% ABV because it’s smooth and fruity. (the GIN is IN)
• Many enjoy it with soda water: mixing it with a lighter mixer helps bring out its fruitiness without making it feel too sweet. (Reddit)

Criticism & Mixed Opinions

• Some feel it’s too sweet or tart:
  

  “I found it have an overly sweet/tart taste whereas … I really liked the regular Whitley Neill.” (Reddit)

• Others say that juniper is hard to detect:
  

  “There is some juniper in there somewhere, but you have to go looking for it.” (Reddit)

• A few mention that it feels more like a liqueur than a gin:
  

  “It’s quite good, but you can’t compare it to a traditional dry profile gin.” (Reddit)

• On mixers: a user suggests that with tonic, the sweetness may overpower; instead, they favor soda water or special tonics. (Reddit)

These opinions suggest that Quince Gin appeals strongly to those who like fruit-flavored or sweeter gins, but may not be for purists looking for strong juniper notes.

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12. People Also Ask — FAQ Section

Here are some likely “People Also Ask” questions (from Google-style thinking), with answers:

Q1: What is the ABV of Whitley Neill Quince Gin?
Answer: The Whitley Neill Quince Gin is bottled at 43% ABV. (royalbatch.com)

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Q2: What botanicals are used in Whitley Neill Quince Gin?
Answer: The botanicals listed by Whitley Neill are: juniper berries, coriander seed, cassia bark, orris root, angelica root, liquorice root, sweet orange peel, lemon peel, and quince. (whitleyneill.com)

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Q3: Where does the quince flavor come from in Whitley Neill Quince Gin?
Answer: The gin uses Turkish quince, inspired by a historical journey of Frederick Neill through Persia, where quince grows in ancient mountain regions. (royalbatch.com)

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Q4: What does Whitley Neill Quince Gin taste like?
Answer:

• Nose: Stone fruits (quince, pear/pear-apple), hints of juniper and citrus zest. (whitleyneill.com)
• Palate: Dominated by tart quince, followed by sweet apricot and peach notes, plus botanical complexity. (royalbatch.com)
• Finish: Long, fruity finish opening to orange blossom and zesty grapefruit. (royalbatch.com)

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Q5: Is Whitley Neill Quince Gin sweet?
Answer: Yes — many drinkers describe it as sweet, but not cloying. According to tasting reviews, there is a syrupy or viscous texture, with a natural fruity sweetness and some tartness. (the GIN is IN)

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Q6: How should I drink Whitley Neill Quince Gin?
Answer:

• G&T: Mix with light tonic, garnish with fruit (pear, orange, lemon).
• Long Drink / Spritz: Use soda water + citrus or sparkling wine for a refreshing serve.
• Cocktail: Use in a fruity gin cocktail (e.g., Quince Collins, Quince Martini).
• Neat / On Ice: For sipping, serve over a large cube to appreciate its texture and fruit.

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Q7: Has Whitley Neill Quince Gin won any awards?
Answer: Yes — it won Gold in the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC). (royalbatch.com)

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Q8: Is Whitley Neill Quince Gin made in London?
Answer: Yes — Whitley Neill is currently distilled in London at the City of London Distillery. (Wikipedia)

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Q9: Is Whitley Neill Quince Gin suitable for beginners?
Answer: Probably yes, especially for those who enjoy fruit-flavored or sweeter gins. Its fruity sweetness, moderate ABV, and balanced botanicals make it accessible. However, if you prefer traditional, juniper-forward dry gin, it may feel less “classic gin” and more like a liqueur.

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13. Pros & Cons

Here’s a balanced assessment of Whitley Neill Quince Handcrafted Gin — what works well, and what might be drawbacks.

Pros:

1. Distinctive Fruit Character: Quince is a unique and underused fruit in gin; this gin captures its tart-sweet complexity beautifully.
2. Well-Balanced Botanicals: Despite being fruit-forward, it maintains juniper and classic gin structure.
3. Smooth and Rich Texture: The slightly syrupy mouthfeel makes it plush and satisfying.
4. Versatile Mixer: Works well in G&Ts, spritzes, and creative cocktails.
5. Heritage & Story: The connection to Persia (quince origin) and the Neill family’s adventurous past give it a strong narrative.
6. Award-Winning: Recognized for its quality and flavor.

Cons:

1. Sweetness Might Be Too Much: For those who dislike sweet or syrupy spirits, this may lean too fruity.
2. Less Juniper Presence: Gin purists may find it lacks a strong piney juniper backbone.
3. Liqueur Perception: Some may treat it as a liqueur rather than a gin, due to its fruit intensity.
4. Not Always Widely Available: Depending on region, flavored gins can be harder to stock.
5. Price Premium: As a crafted, flavored gin, it may cost more than a standard dry gin — though this depends on market.

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14. Conclusion

Whitley Neill Quince Handcrafted Gin stands out in the ever-growing universe of flavored gins. It manages to bridge traditional gin craftsmanship with a bold, fruity expression rooted in history. The use of Turkish quince, paired with citrus, spice, and exotic botanicals, results in a spirit that’s both familiar and refreshingly novel.

Its tasting profile — sweet yet tart quince, stone-fruit richness, soft viscosity, and a long fruity finish — makes it ideal for both sipping and mixing. It’s not a perfunctory “flavor add-on”; the quince is deeply integrated, delivering complexity and depth rather than just sweetness.

For drinkers who appreciate fruit-forward or artisanal gins, Quince Gin is a real gem. It’s perfect for summer spritzes, elegant G&Ts, or as a conversation-starting spirit in a collection. However, those strictly seeking dry, juniper-heavy gins might find it diverges too much from classic gin territory.

Final verdict: Whitley Neill Quince Gin is a well-crafted, thoughtful, and flavorful expression that marries tradition and innovation. It’s a great pick for gin lovers looking to explore fruit-forward gins with character — and for anyone who values heritage and craftsmanship in their spirits.

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If you like, I can also provide high-resolution images, several cocktail recipes tailored specifically to this gin, and a comparison between Quince Gin and other similar-flavored gins. Do you want me to include those?