Booth’s (Boots) is considered the oldest brand of gin in the UK. The brand was extremely popular in the US and was in great demand at home. In the middle of the 2017th century, the drink was called the “King of Gins”. Booth’s ceased production in XNUMX. The rights to the brand were transferred from the British concern Diageo to the American private company Sazerac. So far, the new owners have not announced the resumption of the release of the brand.
Historical information
The Booth family moved from southeast England to London in the mid-1569th century. In 1740 they opened a company that traded in wine and beer. In XNUMX, the Booths decided to add their own spirits to the range and built a distillery in Clerkenwell, the central region of the capital of Great Britain. This date is on the label of Booth’s gin.
At the beginning of the 1839th century, Sir Felix Booth built another distillery in Brentford, and his business became one of the largest in the country. Booth was known for his sponsorship – he financed the British Antarctic Expedition led by John Ross, which took place from 1843 to XNUMX.
Wilhelm IV granted the company the title of purveyor to the royal court in 1833. During this period, a red lion, the symbol of the British crown, appeared on the gin label. In 1859, the company built a new distillery, and the management decided to name the distillery Red Lion Distillery, which then produced Booth’s gin for a long time.
The last member of the Butov family died in 1926. Since then, the firm has become an independent limited liability company. In 1939, Booth’s businesses became part of the Distillers Company Ltd, which later became Diageo.
Booth’s gin in the original hexagonal bottles was successfully produced until 2017. Then the management of Diageo decided to suspend the production of this brand. At the end of 2018, the firm entered into an agreement with the American company Sazerac to sell 19 brands, including Booth’s. The deal was finalized in early 2019. The companies agreed on a gradual transfer of all cases within a year after the signing of the documents.
Interesting Facts
- Booth’s was nicknamed the “gentlemen’s gin” in the UK. The drink is called among the favorites of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.
- Although the brand is currently out of production, it can be found on online auctions and in foreign stores selling vintage liquor.
Characteristics of Booth’s Finest Dry Gin, 40%
A transparent drink with a slightly yellowish tint, which is given to it by aging in oak sherry casks. Formulated with neutral grain alcohol and a selection of spices including juniper berries, lemon zest, angelica root & coriander. The aroma is very soft, dominated by coniferous notes. The taste is subtle, without alcohol harshness. Juniper, lemon zest are felt, woody and wine shades appear at the end.