Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Handcrafted Gin

 

Here’s a detailed article (~3,000+ words) on Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Handcrafted Gin, covering its origins, production, tasting profile, use in cocktails, consumer perspectives, “People Also Ask” style questions, and a conclusion.

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Table of Contents

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

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1. Introduction

Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Handcrafted Gin is one of the most distinct and flavorful offerings in the Whitley Neill portfolio. It marries the tangy, green-fruit tartness of rhubarb with the warm, spicy bite of ginger, yielding a spirit that is playful, nostalgic, and perfect for those who want a gin that feels like a twist on a garden memory.

Rather than being a simple “infused” sweet gin, it’s crafted in a way that retains real gin character — botanical complexity, smoothness, and a carefully balanced finish. Because of this, it can serve as both a standalone sip and a base for creative cocktails. But its unique profile also sparks debate: is it still a “gin,” or more like a gin liqueur?

In this article, we’ll dig into its history, how it’s made, what it tastes like, how to drink it, and what people commonly ask — finishing with a verdict on when and why it’s worth trying.

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2. Origins & Brand Background

To understand why Whitley Neill made a Rhubarb & Ginger Gin, it’s helpful to know the brand’s roots.

• The Whitley Neill gin brand is rooted in deep distilling heritage. Johnny Neill, the modern distiller behind the brand, comes from a family of distillers stretching back generations. (OldGrogram)
• Whitley Neill gins are known for combining traditional gin botanicals with more unusual or evocative ingredients — drawing on a spirit of exploration and family history. (royalbatch.com)
• The Rhubarb & Ginger variant is different from some of their more “exotic” gins (like those inspired by Africa) — its roots lie in English country gardens. According to the brand, the inspiration comes from childhood memories of Johnny Neill visiting his grandparents’ farm in rural England. (whitleyneill.com)
• The gin is now distributed by major distributors; it’s available in many markets in 70cl or larger bottles. (tcmgourmet.com)

This grounding in both tradition and personal memory gives the Rhubarb & Ginger expression a warm, sentimental touch unusual among flavored gins.

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3. Inspiration Behind the Rhubarb & Ginger Expression

What inspired Johnny Neill to create a rhubarb-and-ginger gin?

• According to Whitley Neill’s website, the rhubarb flavor evokes “the taste of an English country garden with a tart crisp edge.” (whitleyneill.com)
• The addition of ginger is described as a way to “warm the palate for a full-bodied finish.” (royalbatch.com)
• The story is rooted in family heritage: as children, the Neill family spent time on their grandparents’ farm. Rhubarb was a familiar and beloved plant in their garden, and combining that memory with the spice of ginger allowed for a gin that bridges sweet nostalgia and lively warmth. (OldGrogram)
• According to a distributor (Infinite Beverages), this memory-based inspiration is intentional: “visiting his grandparents on their farm … cultivated their garden with thrilling flavours … served as inspiration for … experimentation with new Gins.” (Infinite Beverages)

So this is not just “flavored gin for trend’s sake”: it’s a personal homage to childhood, place, and the flavors of a home garden.

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4. Production & Distillation

How is Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin made? While some details are proprietary, several key steps and techniques are publicly shared:

1. Base Spirit
   • The gin starts from a 100% grain neutral spirit, giving the gin a clean foundation while allowing the added flavors to shine. (OldGrogram)
   • This neutral spirit is infused/steeped with botanicals before further processing.
2. Botanical Infusion
   • The gin uses a carefully curated botanical set, which includes rhubarb distillate and steeped ginger extract. (whitleyneill.com)
   • Other botanicals include juniper, coriander seed, cassia bark, orris root, angelica root, licorice root, sweet orange, and lemon peel. (royalbatch.com)
   • According to one description, ginger is macerated (“steeped”) while rhubarb is distilled in a separate process, so that both impart rich, authentic flavor. (galumbi.com)
3. Distillation Process
   • While Whitley Neill’s core range is known to use a copper pot still (“Constance”), flavored gins often use a hybrid method (infusion plus re-distillation or compounding). (galumbi.com)
   • According to a review, their rhubarb is “distilled separately … and then married with gin,” while a 6-week-old ginger macerate is added; they also note sugar, rhubarb essence, and citric acid employed to fine-tune the flavor. (galumbi.com)
   • The final spirit is proofed down with water to its bottling strength.
4. Bottling & Quality Control
   • The gin is bottled at 43% ABV in many markets, though some sources (such as Staustell Brewery) indicate a variant at 41.3% ABV. (staustellbrewery.co.uk)
   • The brand emphasizes handcrafted production and careful balance, to maintain both the tartness of rhubarb and the warmth of ginger without overwhelming sweetness. (royalbatch.com)

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5. Botanical Profile

A detailed look at the botanicals used in Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin helps explain its flavor complexity.

Here are the key botanicals, and what each contributes:

• Juniper Berries: The backbone of every gin, providing pine-like, resinous herbal character. (royalbatch.com)
• Coriander Seed: Adds a citrus-peppery note, deepening the gin’s herbal profile. (royalbatch.com)
• Cassia Bark: A warm spice, similar to cinnamon but softer and more woods-esque. (royalbatch.com)
• Orris Root: Brings floral and earthy tones, and helps anchor more volatile aromatics. (whitleyneill.com)
• Angelica Root: Earthy, slightly musky, gives a grounding “forest floor” complexity. (royalbatch.com)
• Liquorice Root: Adds a subtle, natural sweetness and depth, helping round out the flavor. (royalbatch.com)
• Sweet Orange Peel: Bright citrus, helping lift the spirit and balance the tartness of rhubarb. (royalbatch.com)
• Lemon Peel: Adds zesty, sharper citrus contrast to the orange and rhubarb. (royalbatch.com)
• Steeped Ginger: The warming, spicy note that gives the gin its “burn,” but done in a way that evokes sophistication rather than harshness. (whitleyneill.com)
• Rhubarb Distillate: The star fruit — tart, crisp, and slightly green-apple / pear-like; this gives the gin its signature rhubarb note. (whitleyneill.com)

This botanical blend makes the gin feel both traditional and innovative, blending garden nostalgia with a modern craft spirit sensibility.

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6. Alcohol Strength & Variants

• ABV (Alcohol by Volume): Most commonly 43%, according to Royal Batch. (royalbatch.com)
• Alternate ABV: Some sources (e.g., Staustell Brewery) report a 41.3% version for 700 ml. (staustellbrewery.co.uk)
• Bottle Sizes: Available commonly in 70 cl bottles; some markets or retailers offer 1 L bottles. (tcmgourmet.com)
• Variant / Zero-Alcohol: According to a spirits portfolio from LWC-Drinks, there is even a non-alcoholic (“0%”) Rhubarb & Ginger gin under Whitley Neill’s line. (LWC Drinks)
• Type: It’s classified as a flavoured gin, not a pure London Dry — this matters for both regulatory labeling and flavour expectations. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)

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7. Tasting Profile (Aroma, Palate, Finish)

Here is a deep breakdown of how Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin tastes, based on brand descriptions, independent reviews, and community tasting notes.

7.1 Aroma (Nose)

• Rhubarb: Immediately present with a crisp, green-fruit or slightly tart character. (Matthew Clark)
• Ginger: Warm and spicy, but not overpowering — more like a gentle ginger heat than raw ginger bite. (Matthew Clark)
• Juniper: Softly peeks through — not a pine forest, but a familiar herbal whisper. (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
• Citrus Peel: Orange and lemon notes lift the nose, giving bright citrus fragrance. (royalbatch.com)
• Herbal / Rooty Undertones: From orris, angelica, and licorice — a subtle earthy-floral base. (whitleyneill.com)

7.2 Palate (Taste)

• Entry: The gin tastes sweet and fruity — rhubarb comes forward cleanly. Distiller’s tasting notes mention “a bit of juniper and ginger spice … after the initial heat fades … rhubarb flavor is unmistakable.” (Distiller – The Liquor Expert)
• Mid-Palate: There is richness in the rhubarb fruit, complemented by warm ginger. According to Matthew Clark, the ginger root provides mild heat and “earthy ginger” taste. (Matthew Clark)
• Support Notes: Citrus (orange and lemon) reconcile the tartness; coriander and orris bring background complexity. (royalbatch.com)
• Sweetness: Several reviewers note that it’s quite sweet, perhaps more “liqueur-like” than a traditional dry gin — though not syrupy, more like a dessert gin with real fruit character. (galumbi.com)

7.3 Finish

• Warm & Spicy: The ginger heats the finish, but not aggressively; it’s a gentle, warming spice. (whitleyneill.com)
• Crisp Fruit Echo: Rhubarb lingers, giving a crisp, tart tail. (royalbatch.com)
• Herbal & Root: Angelica and orris maintain herbal complexity in the finish, balancing the sweetness. (galumbi.com)
• Long: The finish does not drop off quickly — there’s a decent length, making the gin suitable for sipping. (royalbatch.com)

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8. How to Serve & Use Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin

Given its flavor profile, there are thoughtful ways to serve this gin so its strengths shine:

1. Gin & Tonic (G&T)
   • Use a balloon glass or copa glass with plenty of ice.
   • Choose a light or moderately sweet tonic, not overly bitter, so sweet rhubarb and ginger aren’t overwhelmed.
   • Garnish: A thin slice of fresh ginger or a stalk of rhubarb (if available), plus a twist of lemon helps accentuate both tartness and warmth.
2. Long or Spritz-Style
   • Rhubarb-Ginger Collins: Gin + lemon juice + soda water. Because the gin is already sweet, you may reduce or skip additional sugar.
   • Sparkling Serve: Combine with Prosecco or another dry sparkling wine, topped with soda water, and garnish with rhubarb ribbons or powdered ginger for flair.
3. Cocktail Base
   • Rhubarb & Ginger Martini / Sour: Use this gin with a lighter vermouth (or none), maybe a dash of elderflower liqueur or pear liqueur to play on the fruit sweetness.
   • Ginger-Garden Negroni: Substitute this gin for the gin component in a Negroni — pairing with sweet vermouth and a milder bitter liqueur (or even Aperol) to complement, not fight, the gin’s sweetness.
4. Sipping Neat or Over Ice
   • While flavored, its depth and richness make it quite enjoyable neat or over a large ice cube.
   • This way, you can appreciate both rhubarb’s crispness and ginger’s warmth, along with the botanical structure.
5. As a Liqueur or “Flavor Enhancer”
   • Some mixologists treat it more like a gin liqueur: use it as a flavoring component in cocktails rather than the base spirit.
   • As one Reddit user suggested: “Use it in tiki cocktails as a liqueur … use it as a flavor enhancer in a French 75, etc.” (Reddit)

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9. Recommended Cocktails & Signature Serves

Here are a few creative and classic cocktails that work particularly well with Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin:

• Rhubarb-Ginger Gin Fizz
  • 50 ml Rhubarb & Ginger Gin
  • 20 ml fresh lemon juice
  • 10–15 ml simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
  • Shake with ice, strain into a highball, top with soda water, garnish with a ginger slice or lemon twist.
• Rhubarb & Ginger French 75
  • 50 ml Rhubarb & Ginger Gin
  • 15 ml lemon juice
  • 10 ml simple syrup
  • Shake, then top with dry sparkling wine (e.g., Prosecco) in a flute, garnish with a sliver of lemon peel.
• Garden Negroni (Twist)
  • 30 ml Rhubarb & Ginger Gin
  • 30 ml sweet vermouth
  • 30 ml Aperol (or Campari for a stronger bitter)
  • Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass, garnish with orange peel.
• Sparkling Rhubarb Spritz
  • 50 ml Gin
  • 50 ml Prosecco
  • 50 ml soda water
  • Serve in a wine glass with ice; garnish with rhubarb, lemon, or a piece of crystallized ginger.

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10. Awards & Recognition

Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin has received several accolades:

• 2021 The Gin Masters — Gold winner. (whitleyneill.com)
• 2022 World Spirits Award — Silver. (whitleyneill.com)
• 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — Silver. (whitleyneill.com)

These awards reflect recognition in both European and international spirit competitions, underscoring that this is not just a novelty gin but a well-respected flavored gin.

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11. Consumer Feedback & Criticism

Let’s explore what real gin drinkers are saying — both fans and critics — and some key themes from online reviews (Reddit, etc.).

Positive Feedback

• Some users praise it in Gin Fizz:
  

  “Really lovely in a gin fizz. The Rhubarb and Ginger come across well, making for a very soft and slightly sweetly balanced cocktail.” (Reddit)

• Nostalgic appeal: many enjoy the “country garden” feel — the balance between tart rhubarb and warm ginger evokes a homemade or vintage fruit preserve.
• Versatility: Some recommend using soda water instead of tonic to cut the sweetness and let the ginger shine. (Reddit)
• As a flavoring liqueur: Several suggest using it not as a straight gin base but as a flavor enhancer — mixing into other gins, cocktails, or even desserts. (Reddit)

Criticism & Mixed Reactions

• Sweetness: This is a common point of contention.
  

  “It tastes way too sweet and artificial.” (Reddit)

• Liqueur vs Gin Debate: Some argue it’s more of a gin liqueur than a true gin:
  

  “It’s extremely sweet … more like gin liqueur than gin.” (galumbi.com)

• Artificial or Candy-Like: A few users describe it as resembling cough syrup, candy, or artificially sweetened beverage:
  

  “Candy water … tastes like cough medicine … more of a cocktail mixer than a G&T.” (Reddit)

• Not for Traditionalists: Because the gin diverges from classic juniper-forward profiles, some gin purists are unimpressed:
  

  “I had a hard time playing with this one … not my favourite gin anymore.” (Reddit)

• Batch or ABV Variance: Some sources list 43% ABV, while others (retailers) note 41.3%, which may reflect variation across regions or batches. (staustellbrewery.co.uk)

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12. People Also Ask — FAQ Section

Here are common questions people search for on Google about Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin, along with researched and sourced answers.

Q1: What is the ABV of Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin?
Answer:
The ABV is commonly 43%, according to Royal Batch. (royalbatch.com) Some retailers, such as Staustell Brewery, list a 41.3% ABV version. (staustellbrewery.co.uk)

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Q2: What botanicals are in Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin?
Answer:
The gin uses the following botanicals: juniper berries, coriander seed, cassia bark, orris root, angelica root, liquorice root, sweet orange peel, lemon peel, and the key flavors — steeped ginger and rhubarb distillate. (royalbatch.com)

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Q3: Where is Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin made?
Answer:
It is made in England. The gin is distilled using Whitley Neill’s heritage practices. (Matthew Clark)

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Q4: What does Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin taste like?
Answer:

• Nose: Tart rhubarb, warm ginger, citrus peel, herbal undertones. (Matthew Clark)
• Palate: Sweet and fruity rhubarb balanced with a spicy, warming ginger note, plus support from citrus and other botanicals. (OldGrogram)
• Finish: Long, warm finish with rhubarb crispness and lingering ginger spice. (royalbatch.com)

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Q5: Is Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin sweet?
Answer:
Yes — many users and trade descriptions note its sweetness. The rhubarb imparts a fruity tartness coupled with sweetness, and some consider it more like a flavored gin or liqueur rather than a very dry gin. (galumbi.com)

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Q6: How should I serve Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin?
Answer:

• For a gin & tonic, pair with a lighter tonic and garnish with ginger slice or lemon. (staustellbrewery.co.uk)
• In a collins or fizz, mix it with lemon juice and soda water to highlight its fruitiness without making it too sweet.
• As a cocktail base, use in a French 75 or Negroni twist, letting its rhubarb and ginger shine.
• Neat or on ice: The gin’s richness makes it sippable by itself.

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Q7: Has Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin won any awards?
Answer:
Yes — among its accolades:

• Gold at The Gin Masters 2021. (whitleyneill.com)
• Silver at the 2022 World Spirits Awards. (whitleyneill.com)
• Silver at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. (whitleyneill.com)

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Q8: Is Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin suitable for beginners or gin purists?
Answer:

• For beginners, yes — its fruity sweetness and balanced ginger make it approachable and fun.
• For purists, possibly not — because the rhubarb and sweetness dominate more than juniper, it may feel less like a traditional, juniper-heavy gin.

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13. Pros & Cons

Here’s a balanced look at what makes Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin great — and where it might not suit everyone.

Pros:

1. Distinctive Flavor: The combination of tart rhubarb and spicy ginger is memorable and evocative of a garden.
2. Crafted with Tradition: Uses classic gin botanicals plus real ginger and rhubarb distillate, not just artificial flavor.
3. Warm Finish: Ginger gives a warming, full-bodied finish that adds sophistication.
4. Versatile Serving Options: Works in G&Ts, collins, fizz, spritzes, and neat.
5. Award-Winning: Recognized in major spirit competitions, validating its quality.
6. Personal and Nostalgic Story: Rooted in family memory, making it more than just a commercial flavor.

Cons:

1. Sweetness: It may be too sweet for some, especially those who prefer very dry, juniper-led gins.
2. Liqueur Perception: Some drinkers say it feels more like a liqueur than a traditional gin.
3. Artificial Taste: A subset of drinkers describe it as candy-like or “cough syrup.”
4. Not for Purists: Those who look for strong botanical or juniper dominance may be disappointed.
5. Batch Variation: Reports of differing ABV (41.3% vs 43%) may imply regional or batch variability.

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14. Conclusion

Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Handcrafted Gin is a distinctive spirit that reflects Whitley Neill’s philosophy: combining heritage, imaginative botanicals, and personal memory. It’s not just a flavored gin — it’s a carefully crafted expression that uses rhubarb and ginger to evoke both nostalgia and warmth.

On the palate, it balances fruity tartness and spicy heat. On the nose, it conjures images of garden rhubarb and ginger root mingling with classic gin botanicals. And in the finish, its warmth lingers, making it equally suited for sipping, mixing, or crafting into cocktails.

That said, it is a polarizing gin for some. The sweetness is not for everyone; some will love its candy-like rhubarb, others will find it too syrupy. It may disappoint gin purists who prefer a stronger juniper backbone. But for many, that’s exactly the point: it’s not about replicating classic gin — it’s about having a gin with character, a story, and a flavor that feels like a slice of an English country garden.

Verdict: If you enjoy fruit-forward flavored gins, or if you’re looking for something nostalgic, playful, and slightly off the beaten path — Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin is absolutely worth a try. Use it in a light G&T, craft a gin fizz, or just sip it slowly to appreciate the tart, warm dance of rhubarb and ginger.

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