Premium Dutch Gin 1689 Launches New Pink Gin Expression, the Queen Mary Edition, in the UK
Premium Dutch Gin 1689 has announced the launch of its new pink gin expression, The Queen Mary Edition. Based on the same recipe as the original Gin 1689, The Queen Mary Edition is designed to reflect the 17th century when the world’s first pink gin was created after mixing the original spirit with bruised strawberries and raspberries.
Founders of the Amsterdam Craft Gin Company, Alexander Janssens and Patrick van der Peet, created Gin 1689 based on an original 300-year-old recipe from the time of King William III of England, also known as William of Orange, and Queen Mary II, found in the archives of the British Library.
The founders spent two years searching the archives of the British Library for the recipe whilst living in London and were excited to uncover the secret recipe in the rare books section. The recipe lists the original ingredients, but the exact quantities were concealed by a code created by the company of Distillers of London, which proved unbreakable. They acquired the exclusive rights to the recipe and tasked the master distiller at Herman Jansen in the Netherlands, a family distillery dating back to 1777, to recreate the gin recipe for them.
In 1689 – The Queen Mary Edition is, like the original expression, a classic juniper style spirit with botanicals such as dried quince and pippin (apple), lemon and orange peel, nutmeg, aniseed, and clove. The addition of the strawberries and raspberries gives this first Dutch Pink Gin a pink hue and red fruity nose, which blends well with the spiciness of the original gin.
It is a 100% sugar-free pink gin in a distinctive royal red bottle with luxurious gold lettering. Best served with premium Indian tonic, lots of ice, and garnished with sliced strawberries.
Janssens says, “We are really excited to introduce Gin 1689 - The Queen Mary Edition to the UK. It follows on from the successful launch of the original Gin 1689 last year and continues to celebrate its Dutch heritage. It is the rebirth of an ancient premium gin recipe dating back from the time that the gin craze started in the UK. With our distinctive packaging and great tasting liquid, we’re confident that we can make a mark here. I was thrilled to discover the recipe whilst working in London and spending time in the British Library, as we knew William of Orange brought his Jenever recipe over to England when he became King; the beginning of gin’s popularity.”
Gary Hazell, Managing Partner of Distilled Brands, says, “We’ve begun introducing Gin 1689 to our customers in the UK and have had very positive feedback from the trade. The stand-out bottle and great tasting liquid is finding a place for itself in the on-trade and we look forward to working with Alexander and Patrick to spread the word about their Royal gin to the off-trade as well.”
