Now he's been back for a different reason: “Selling my Gin of the People to the Land of the Free.”
Inspired by the Californian's laid-back lifestyle, sunny climate and the fact that Californians seem to drink more of his gin than anyone else, James decided to work with Hugh at Downton Distillery to create a brand new flavour to add to the James Gin collection.
California Dreamgin' - distilled with mushroom and patchouli can be perfectly paired with tonic, a slice of counterculture, and a dash of peace and love.
It joins a range that includes Asian Parsnip, American Mustard and London Drizzle, (inspired by the smell of rain on London pavements.) However, this is the first time one of James' creations has been officially certified vegan.
As James explains: "California Dreamgin' is a compassionate, plant-based product certified by the Vegan Society and it's based on mushrooms, since mushrooms are a vital source of protein for those who have recognised that meat is murder. However, it should not be used as a dietary supplement or part of a balanced programme of food intake. It's more of a gin, man.”
Initially created as a bit of fun and to stand on the back bar of the pub he co-owns in Wiltshire, James Gin's batches consistently sell out on www.jamesgin.com, serving online customers in over 40 countries, worldwide.
The range is now also available through selected retailers, pubs and bars in the UK and the US.
James May's Planet Gin YouTube Channel now has over 300k subscribers and the brand's social media channels have attracted over 7 million followers.
James May goes on to say: “This gin is a bit of thank you - it celebrates California's role in the establishment of the hippie movement while allowing us to create a very clever joke out of nothing more than an apostrophe.”
Hugh Anderson - the remarkable astute Distiller at Downtown Distillery adds: “This is a true umami gin using girolle mushrooms to provide a light fruity, yet peppery note with a hint of apricot, paired with the delicate earthy woody notes of patchouli which lingers at the back of the mouth. Oregano enhances these savoury, herbaceous notes whilst balancing out the citrusy notes from the coriander and lemon peel.”
Even before its official global launch, California Dreamgin' has been awarded a silver medal in the prestigious Spirits Business Autumn Blind Tasting Awards.
Suggested serve: 50ml California Dreamgin' over ice, topped with premium soda water. Garnish with a lemon slice.
We think this will make a food Christmas gift for the vegan gin lovers in your life. And might also be something you need for your Christmas drinks cabinet.
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