Whitley Neill Gin World best ingredients

City of London Distillery & Bar 22-24 Bride Ln, London EC4Y 8DT, UK

AWARD WINNING GIN, DISTILLED IN LONDON

Whitley Neill Gin is a handcrafted, premium gin that is inspired by the very best flavours and ingredients from around the world – and distilled in the heart of the City of London.

Whitley Neill Gin World best ingredients

THE UK’S #1 SELLING PREMIUM GIN AND THE UK’S MOST LOVED GIN**

Whitley Neill is a family with a fascination for crafting spirits dating back to 1762. Our founder and 8^th generation distiller, Johnny Neill, has travelled the world in pursuit of the very best flavours and ingredients to create the award-winning range of gins that we know and love today. This tireless pursuit of excellence has led him to create Whitley Neill, The UK’s #1 Premium Gin.

** The UK’s #1 Premium Gin – Nielsen Scantrack UK value MAT to 16.07.22 || The UK’s Most Loved Gin – Savanta BrandVue – Top 100 Most Loved Drinks Brands 2023

OUR STORY

HANDCRAFTED GINS, DISTILLED IN THE HEART OF THE CITY OF LONDON

Whitley Neill Gin is a premium handcrafted artisanal gin range and an established English brand with heritage dating back to 1762. Whitley Neill Gin is distilled at the multi-award-winning City of London Distillery, the first, and still the only, gin distillery in The City of London in 200 years.

Johnny Neill is an eighth generation distiller, and direct descendant of Thomas Greenall and JJ Whitley. After initially forging a career in investment management, he went on to delve deeper into his family distilling heritage and started on a new career path, founding the popular Whitley Neill Gin brand in 2005. Using nine of the highest quality botanicals, Johnny launched Whitley Neill Gin, its Original London Dry Gin and a range of flavours inspired by both his and his ancestors travels around the world, cementing him as one of the pioneers of the early gin boom.

MEET JOHNNY NEILL,
8TH GENERATION FAMILY MEMBER

Johnny’s fascination with gin and its complex distillation process begun under his Grandmother’s expert guidance. He learnt how, by simply infusing the crisp sharpness of juniper berries with a variety of other flavours and aromas, the taste could change dramatically. And for Johnny, that was the attraction.

From that moment onwards, he was driven to create a blend of gins that captured his family’s passion and something altogether more exotic, enigmatic, and mysterious.

Johnny Neill — Whitley Neill Gin World best ingredients

NINE DISTINCTIVE BOTANICALS

Johnny Neill’s first creation was The Whitley Neill London Dry Gin, a classic dry gin but not as you know it, softer and much smoother than traditional Gins, with rich juniper notes, citrus and exotic botanicals Baobab fruit and Cape gooseberry.

Johnny distilled the tart Baobab fruit pulp to release a distinctive citrus flavour, quite unlike any other. Followed by the Physalis Peruviana or Cape gooseberry as it’s known in South Africa. These flavoursome bitter-sweet berries added a whole new dimension to the aroma.

Johnny then took six other carefully selected botanicals to create Whitley Neill’s recipe, but that’s a whole different story…

SEE MORE ABOUT OUR BOTANICALS

OUR HOME IN THE HEART OF THE CITY OF LONDON

The goal of the City of London Distillery has always been to bring back and maintain the heritage and history of London’s gin production whilst incorporating new contemporary ideas.

The City of London Distillery has been producing award-winning gins for a decade, with 65 medals won across the range of Gins, including 5 Double Golds & 5 Golds at IWSC and 6 Golds at SFWSC and 3 Spirits Business Gin Masters.

Often referred to as a hidden treasure, the bar at the City of London Distillery, is a cocktail bar that overlooks the striking copper stills of the distillery. The faint aroma of gin vapour that hangs in the air all add to the bar’s unique atmosphere.

City of London Distillery. The home of Whitley Neill Gin — Whitley Neill Gin World best ingredients

NAVY STRENGTH LONDON DRY GIN

At 57% ABV, this is a high strength, juniper-forward gin with a subtle hint of lime.

What is Navy Strength Gin?

Bottled at 57% ABV, ‘Navy Strength’ gin harks back to when the British Royal Navy stored barrels of gin below deck, next to stocks of gunpowder. In case of leaks or spillages, the crews needed to ensure the gin had a high enough ABV to be flammable and therefore ‘gunpowder proof’, so the gunpowder would still burn.

The liquid

The higher ABV of Navy Strength amplifies the aroma of the botanicals, whilst delivering the balanced, elegant character that Whitley Neil is so well known for.

Juniper takes centre stage, met with a touch of fresh lime peel along with coriander seed, angelica root, liquorice root powder, and dried orange peel.

The use of lime as the lead citrus is a nod to the limes the British Navy gave its sailors to ward off scurvy, which also gave rise to their nickname ‘Limeys’ amongst American sailors who were dubious about this technique.

NEW RHUBARB & GINGER MOJITO DISTILLERY COCKTAIL

50cl
17.3% Abv
Distillery Cocktail
An exciting new premium ready to serve beverage from the UK’s No.1 Premium Gin Brand, Whitley Neill Gin.
Simply pour into a glass and add your chosen garnish.
Serve suggestions:
Serve in a tumbler with ice, a splash of soda (if desired), and a sprig of fresh mint.

NEW RASPBERRY COSMO DISTILLERY COCKTAIL

50cl
17.3% Abv
Distillery Cocktail
An exciting new premium ready to serve beverage from the UK’s No.1 Premium Gin Brand, Whitley Neill Gin.
Simply pour into a glass and add your chosen garnish.
Serve suggestions:
Serve chilled in a martini glass and garnish with a twist of lime peel.

NEW BLOOD ORANGE NEGRONI DISTILLERY COCKTAIL

50cl
17.3%Abv
Distillery Cocktail
An exciting new premium ready to serve beverage from the UK’s No.1 Premium Gin Brand, Whitley Neill Gin.
Simply pour into a glass and add your chosen garnish.
Serve suggestions:
Serve in a rocks glass chilled or with ice and a twist of orange peel.

DISTILLERʹS CUT LONDON DRY GIN

A VERY CLASSIC LONDON DRY GIN EXPRESSION

This gin represents a very classic London Dry expression, focusing on one citrus, dried orange peel. The profile is rounded with the earthy spice and bitter-sweet balance taking centre stage.

Soft and rounded aroma. Still present juniper, now followed by bitter sweet candied orange flavour. A subtle underlying floral note lightens the nose. Strong flavour notes of candied orange, a touch of white pepper and a solid backbone of juniper. Seemingly a little sweeter and softer than the original. A pleasant oily texture cools the mouth. The orange persists through the finish. Juniper is still present and compliments the citrus. A little earthy and woody.

BOTANICALS

Award winning Distiller's Cut London Dry Gin

AWARDS

2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Winner
2023 The Spirits Business Gin Masters Gold Winner
2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Winner
2022 International Spirits Challenge Gold Winner

CONNOISSEURʹS CUT LONDON DRY GIN

DISTILLED IN THE HEART OF THE CITY OF LONDON

Inspired by London, Johnny Neill has focused and refined the most beautiful of Traditional London Dry Gins, letting the rich juniper and citrus notes hero. This Connoisseur’s Cut Gin is paying homage to the Whitley Neill family and its distilling beginnings.

BOTANICALS

Bottled at a higher ABV of 47% to ensure all botanicals shine and carefully cutting the gin at precisely the right point, provides us with an exceptional gin to add to our Whitley Neill range.

Award Winning Whitley Neill Connoisseur's Cut London Dry Gin

AWARDS

2023 World Gin Awards Gold Winner
2023 International Spirits Challenge Silver Winner
2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver Winner
2022 The Spirits Business Gin Masters Gold Winner
2022 International Spirits Challenge Double Gold Winner
2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Winner
2022 London Spirits Competition Gold Winner
2022 IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) Gold Winner

WHITLEY NEILL PROTEA & HIBISCUS GIN

Whitley Neill Protea & Hibiscus Gin is a handcrafted gin of exceptional quality, inspired by the wild and natural beauty of Africa’s landscape. Protea and hibiscus flavours combine to bring a distinctive floral note to create a smooth gin with a unique and remarkable taste that reflects the majestic beauty of the two flowers.

RHUBARB AND GINGER GIN

THE TASTE OF AN ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN WITH A TART CRISP EDGE

The essence of rhubarb adds a tart crisp edge to our smooth gin base whilst the ginger extract warms the palate for a full-bodied finish.

Johnny Neill’s gin evokes childhood memories of visiting his grandparents on their farm by taking a firm Whitley Family favourite in rhubarb and placed a warm twist on this with the addition of fresh ginger.

BOTANICALS

Whilst most of Johnny Neill’s inspiration for his award-winning gins comes from his ancestor’s intrepid exploits abroad, Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin harks from fond memories made slightly closer to home. Post-war, the Whitley Family, were living in rural England near Daresbury and they cultivated their garden with thrilling flavours, serving as inspiration for both the table and indeed their experimentation with new gins.

Royalty Spritz Cocktail Award Winning Whitley Neill Rhubarb Gin

AWARDS

2022 World Spirits Award Silver Winner
2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver Winner
2021 The Gin Masters Gold Winner

ALCOHOL FREE RHUBARB & GINGER

BASED ON WHITLEY NEILL’S NO. 1 SELLING PREMIUM GIN, RHUBARB & GINGER. OUR ALCOHOL FREE GIN HAS THE SAME GREAT TASTE, WITHOUT THE ALCOHOL. INSPIRED BY THE GLORY OF THE ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN. AN ESSENCE OF RHUBARB WHICH ADDS A TART CRISP EDGE, WHILST REAL GINGER WARMS THE PALATE

Our Alcohol Free Gins are made using the only Spinning Cone Vacuum Column Still in the UK. This process ensures that flavours and characteristic top notes aren’t burnt in distillation. Existing Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin enters the still and is extracted in 3 streams:

-Water

-Existing flavours and aromas within Whitley Neill

-Alcohol

At the end of this process, the water and flavours/aromas are blended, which recreates the ‘gin’ with zero alcohol.

AWARDS

2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Winner

BLOOD ORANGE GIN

A CITRUS BURST OF SANGUINE BLOOD ORANGE

A handcrafted gin of exceptional quality, that’s inspired by the sweet citrus fruit flavour of Sicilian blood oranges. Bright, zesty aromas head up a clean, citrus gin and in every drop, a smooth, crisp taste of the Mediterranean sun.

BOTANICALS

A passion for discovery runs through all eight generations of the Whitley Neill family tree. So it’s perhaps fitting that while honeymooning in the beautiful Sicilian countryside, Frederick Neill and his new wife fell in love all over again, this time with the vibrant, zesty flavour of Sicilian blood oranges. Using his finely-honed distilling techniques, Freddy strove to create a gin recipe that would evoke the memories of his Sicilian honeymoon. And it’s this recipe that led to the creation of Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin.

Honeymoon in Sicily Cocktail Award Winning Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin

AWARDS

2022 World Spirits Award Silver Winner
2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver Winner
2022 London Spirits Competition Silver Winner
2021 The Gin Masters Gold Winner
2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Silver Winner

BLACK CHERRY GIN

INSPIRED BY SOUTH AFRICAN CHERRY ORCHARDS, THIS DELICIOUS GIN IS INFUSED WITH THE JUICE OF SUCCULENT BLACK CHERRIES.

Aroma – Initial aromas of cherries are followed by hints of almonds with a faint wisp of chocolate.

Palate – A richness of stewed cherries and fruits enhance the flavour with a very slight tartness on the finish.

Finish – A well balanced and long and intense finish with a pleasing aftertaste.

BOTANICALS

AWARDS

2023 World Gin Awards Gold Winner
2023 International Spirits Challenge Silver Winner

RASPBERRY GIN

A VIBRANT TASTE STRAIGHT FROM THE FIELDS OF SCOTLAND

An initial and distinct juniper, coriander and liquorice flavour that gives way to a bright, fresh vibrant taste of Scottish raspberries. A perfectly balanced gin with a delicate, fruity taste and a lasting citrus, raspberry flavour.

BOTANICALS

Bright Scottish raspberry flavour is balanced with aromatic juniper notes and has a delicate sweetness which rounds this deliciously Whitley Neill Raspberry Gin. This incredibly versatile gin can be deliciously paired with tonic as well as being the perfect component to contemporary cocktails for every season and occasion.

Raspberry Gin Cocktail Award Winning Whitley Neill Raspberry Gin

AWARDS

2022 World Spirits Award Silver Winner
2022 London Spirits Competition Silver Winner
2021 IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) Silver Winner

SMOKY BACON & HORSERADISH GIN

A flavour powerhouse
This unexpected and savoury gin packs a real punch, as mouth-watering smoky bacon flavour is met by a spicy horseradish kick.

JAPANESE YUZU & WHITE STRAWBERRY

Sweet, fresh white strawberries are balanced by vibrant
citrus notes from the yuzu.

APPLE AND RED BERRIES GIN

Whitley Neill Apple & Red Berries gin is a deliciously fruity gin. Notes of crisp red and green apple meet sweet, Scottish raspberry, black cherry and strawberry notes creating a gin that is packed with flavour.

BOTANICALS

BANANA & GUAVA GIN

Banana & Guava boasts tropical flavours with sweet, ripe bananas and tasty tropical guavas to transport gin lovers to sunnier climes.

BOTANICALS

PARMA VIOLET GIN

AROMATIC VIOLET INFUSIONS WITH ITALIAN ELEGANCE

Inspired by Italian aromatic flowers, subtle floral notes infuse the gin base for a vibrant and elegant taste.

A luxurious handcrafted gin of exceptional quality with bright vibrant flavours of juniper followed by a herbaceous floral note from the violet. Perfect for sipping over ice and pairing with cocktails and long drinks.

BOTANICALS

PINEAPPLE GIN

INSPIRED BY JOHNNY NEILL’S TRAVELS TO THE AMERICAS

Tropical fruit and zesty citrus with notes of freshly cut pineapple, lemon and earthiness. Juniper and a little pepper lead into a crescendo of tropical pineapple and smooth citrus. Rich finish of citrus continue alongside tropical fruit and a hint of spice.

BOTANICALS

Inspired by Johnny Neill’s travels to the Americas, our pineapple gin is distilled with a focus on the zesty sweetness of Costa Rican pineapples, which delivers a wonderful fresh tropical fruit flavour.

Award winning Whitley Neill Pineapple Gin

AWARDS

2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Winner

PINK APRICOT GIN

Inspired by the groves of Turkey, this delicate gin is infused with succulent pink apricots. Sweet and fruity notes give way to tart crisp finish.

BOTANICALS

BLACKBERRY GIN

EVOKING FLAVOURS OF RURAL ENGLAND

Whitley Neill Blackberry Gin tastes of fresh plump berries and hints of floral hedgerow. A smooth flavour, with a core of delicious, piney juniper followed by zesty sweet citrus and hints of wonderful black pepper. The finish has a little earthiness alongside the warming spice of cassia.

BOTANICALS

PINK GRAPEFRUIT GIN

A FRUITY PINK GRAPEFRUIT BURST

Inspired by the citrus groves of Spain, this handcrafted gin is infused with Pink Grapefruit. On the palate Whitley Neill Pink Grapefruit Gin has a delicate sweetness with citrusy notes that give way to a balanced grapefruit burst.

BOTANICALS

Award Winning Whitley Neill Pink Grapefruit Gin

AWARDS

2019 IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) Silver Winner

ORIGINAL LONDON DRY GIN

A CLASSIC LONDON DRY GIN BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT.

Whitley Neill Gin is slightly softer and much smoother than traditional gins, with rich notes of juniper and citrus, pot-pourri and exotic spices. The finish is a long one, with a subtle fade of herbs, cocoa and candied lemon peels, while the nose is both citrus-sweet and peppery, with a distinctive floral aroma.

BOTANICALS

This exceptional gin was created by Johnny Neill, a direct descendant of a long line of distillers. Inspired by his family’s sense of adventure, Johnny strove to create his own signature blend of gin.

The result is a tribute to his English distilling heritage, and a homage to the enigmatic beauty of his wife’s African homeland. Whitley Neill London Dry Gin; a balanced, distinctive gin that blends classic gin botanicals with exotic African botanicals to create a liquid with a flavour as unique as its heritage.

Red Hot Cocktail Award Winning Whitley Neill Original London Dry Gin

AWARDS

2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Winner
2022 The Spirits Business Gin Masters Gold Winner
2022 London Spirits Competition Gold Winner
2022 World Spirits Award Silver Winner
2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Winner
2019 IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) Gold Winner

OUR HOME

Whitley Neill Gin is distilled at the multi-award-winning City of London Distillery, the first, and still the only, gin distillery in The City of London in 200 years. The City of London Distillery has been producing award-winning gins for a decade, with 65 medals won across the range of Gins, including 5 Double Golds & 5 Golds at IWSC and 6 Golds at SFWSC and 3 Spirits Business Gin Masters.

The goal of the City of London Distillery has always been to bring back and maintain the heritage and history of London’s gin production whilst incorporating new contemporary ideas.

OUR GIN STILLS

Since 2012 the distillery began producing gin on a pair of 200 litre copper pot stills called Clarissa and Jennifer (named after ‘The Two Fat Ladies’ of the BBC food show).

In 2016 as the distillery grew, a larger 500 litre pot still was brought in alongside the original pair to scale up production. This new larger still was launched on the Queen’s 90th Birthday and named Elizabeth accordingly.

OUR DISTILLERY & BAR

We can cater for private events as well as romantic nights for two or getting together with friends and colleagues.

OUR GIN SCHOOL

We welcome visitors to our Gin Lab, to learn about distilling, explore the whole range of botanicals, design your own unique gin recipe then distil your very own personalised bottle of gin on one of the mini-stills.

The Gin Lab Experience takes approximately 2 hours, with as much guidance as you need, and includes three drinks to get you inspired.

OUR BOTANICALS

The unique, balanced flavour and aroma of Whitley Neill Gin derives from our use of the purest grain spirit and our careful selection of the finest botanicals from around the globe. We use nine meticulously selected botanicals, when distilling Whitley Neill Original Gin.

JUNIPER BERRIES – FROM NORTH MACEDONIA

The essential oils contained within juniper berries are the signature of all gins. Only the finest berries give the fullest expression. Ours are grown and harvested in the hill-top regions of North Macedonia, and only the most perfect are selected to give our gin its distinctive bitter-sweet flavour of pine, grassiness and pepper.

CORIANDER – FROM EASTERN EUROPE

Coriander was grown in Persia 3,000 years ago and fragranced the hanging gardens of Babylon. It’s even mentioned in the Bible, in Exodus, where manna is described as being ‘like a Coriander Seed’. Our fragrant Coriander seeds sourced from Russia and Bulgaria impart an earthy spice, herbal sage and earl grey tea overtones and add to the citrusy lemon balm nose.

ANGELICA ROOT – FROM BULGARIA

Angelica archangelica produces an essential oil so prized for its healing powers, it was considered divine and known as the oil of angels. It is an important part of Whitley Neill Gin’s flavour, complementing and marrying the other botanicals and lending a distinctive smooth, dry finish on the palate.

CASSIA BARK – FROM INDONESIA

From Indonesia comes one of the oldest spices known to man. The cassia trees from which the bark is harvested thrive on the light, yet richly loamy soils of Indonesia and can be harvested only once every 10 to 15 years. A more ancient sibling of cinnamon, our thick, dark brown, aromatic Cassia bark imparts a soothing aromatic warmth and sweet spiciness to Whitley Neill Gin’s aroma.

ORRIS ROOT – FROM MOROCCO

The flowering fields of iris in vibrant bloom are where we source our orris root, the base of the violet flower. Orris root’s true gift lies in its famed soft and fragrant violet scent. Its addition to Whitley Neill Gin helps balance the spicy sharpness of the citrus, while adding just a hint of earthy floral notes.

SWEET ORANGE PEEL – FROM SPAIN

The mild climate and year-round sun of Murcia’s long Mediterranean coast produces the world’s juiciest citrus fruits. It is from here we select the oranges whose crisp, fresh, sweet peel gives Whitley Neill Gin its invigorating citrusy nose, helping to balance the spiciness of the coriander and lift the aromas of the other botanicals.

SWEET LEMON PEEL – FROM SPAIN

Sharper than the sweet orange, the peel of our lemons, grown in those same citrus orchards on Murcia’s temperate Mediterranean shore, delivers fresh citrus notes throughout the body of the gin, and complements its sister citrus botanicals.

CAPE GOOSEBERRY – FROM SOUTH AFRICA

The Cape gooseberry is known by many names. It is also known as goldenberry, physalis, ground cherry or pichuberry, and its rather poetic French name is amour-en-cage, or ‘love in a cage’. The addition of Cape gooseberry, with its lantern like berries and golden yellow skin, gives a unique, sweet yet tart citrus note.

BAOBAB POWDER – FROM SOUTHERN AFRICA

Baobab trees, solitary individuals growing on the vast savannahs, are an iconic indigenous African tree. Known as the upside-down tree, Baobab has dramatic sprawling stark branches and a bulbous trunk. At least seven years must pass for each tree to produce fruit, up to full maturation of 20 years, to develop its generous citrus sherbet zest and creamy textural notes – which creates the unique flavour element for Whitley Neill Gin.

Gin Tour in Europe / UK