Hendrick's is a relatively new gin, having apparently first been made in 1999. It's made in Scotland in small batches, and, as Hendrick's like to say themselves, is a very unusual gin!

First of all, the bottle rather stand out on the shelves: it's an "apothecary-style" bottle in a very deep brown, and has a lovely traditional paper label and a cork stopper rather than flimsy screwcap. It feel nice and solid, and rather sophisticated. The style of the bottle reinforces the message that Hendrick's is carefully distilled and blended by experts, and not just mass-made in any old factory - Hendrick's is made with care.

The flavour of Hendrick's is what really makes it special. As well as traditional gin flavourings like juniper, Hendrick's is also infused with Bulgarian rose and cucumber. This results in a fragrant and aromatic drink, and makes ordinary gins seem incredibly dull to me now!

Hendrick's make the unusual suggestion to serve their gin with a cucumber garnish, and I am absolutely a convert! I don't even like cucumber, but the combination works so well that I buy them just for my drinks. I have a massive sweet tooth, and drink Hendrick's with lemonade rather than tonic: I dice up about an inch length of cucumber, add it to a glass with some ice cubes, put in the Hendrick's and swirl it about a bit before adding the lemonade. The result is a deliciously refreshing drink full of complex flavours.
The Hendrick's website is full of other drinks ideas, from simple combinations to unusual concoctions ideal for showing off to your friends. I've decided that I absolutely have to try a Hendrick's cucumber martini, so I'll be buying some vermouth soon to give it a try!

Hendrick's is available in good bars and at the supermarket - Tesco sell 70cl for £24.50, and it is available on special offer occasionally. I'd absolutely suggest you give it a try if you enjoy gin at all! It's also a great gift, especially as it's bottled so attractively.