The Core: Chase's Field-to-Bottle Ethos
Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo Gin distinguishes itself with a field-to-bottle approach. The distillery crafts its base alcohol from potatoes grown on its Herefordshire farm, which are processed and distilled into a creamy potato vodka. This handcrafted base provides a smooth foundation for the gin's botanical profile.
The Botanical Journey: From GB Gin to Pink Grapefruit
The base spirit is first used to create Chase's GB Gin, by infusing and distilling a blend of classic botanicals in a copper pot still. This initial stage establishes the traditional juniper and spice notes.
The Foundational GB Gin Botanicals
- Juniper: Provides the essential piney core.
- Coriander Seed: Adds warmth and citrus notes.
- Angelica Root: Contributes an earthy flavour.
- Bitter Almond: Offers subtle sweetness.
- Licorice Root: Provides woody sweetness.
- Lemon Peel: Brings a bright citrus lift.
- Ginger: Adds delicate warmth.
- Cinnamon Bark: Delivers sweet, woody spice.
- Cardamom: Adds aromatic spice.
- Cloves: Contributes fragrant spice.
The Citrus Infusion: Pomelo and Pink Grapefruit
The signature flavour comes from a second distillation where the GB Gin base is distilled with fresh pink grapefruit and pomelo peels. This process integrates the vibrant citrus oils directly into the spirit. The result is a gin balancing robust juniper and spice with bright grapefruit and pomelo.
Comparison: Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo vs. Malfy Rosa Gin
Both gins feature pink grapefruit, but their ingredients and methods differ.
| Feature | Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo | Malfy Gin Rosa |
|---|---|---|
| Base Spirit | Potato vodka, farm-made. | Neutral grain spirit, Italian botanicals. |
| Grapefruit Source | Fresh pink grapefruit and pomelo peels distilled in spirit. | Sicilian pink grapefruit peels and rhubarb. |
| Additional Botanicals | Juniper, coriander, almond, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, angelica, liquorice, lemon peel, cardamom. | Juniper, lemon peels, grapefruit peels, coriander, cassia, angelica, orris. |
| Flavour Profile | Fragrant grapefruit tartness, pomelo sweetness, classic juniper, spice. | Zesty, bittersweet citrus, floral rhubarb, juniper. |
| Distillation | Double distillation; first with botanicals, then with citrus peels. | Distilled with a mix of botanicals including grapefruit and rhubarb. |
Flavour Profile and Serving Suggestions
The gin offers a clean, tangy citrus aroma with juniper and lime. The taste features juicy grapefruit, juniper, and spice. The finish is long and zesty.
Perfect Serves for Chase Pink Grapefruit Gin
- Classic G&T: With premium tonic, ice, and pink grapefruit wedge.
- Pink Grapefruit Spritz: Gin, Aperol, grapefruit juice, soda.
- Pink Grapefruit Paloma: Gin, lime juice, grapefruit juice, sugar syrup.
Conclusion: A Crafted Citrus Expression
Understanding the ingredients reveals Chase Pink Grapefruit Gin is a product of the distillery's field-to-bottle commitment. Using a potato base and a two-stage botanical and citrus distillation process, it achieves an award-winning balance of freshness, zest, and complexity. The quality ingredients and detailed process create a distinctive gin perfect for various cocktails.
Visit the official Chase Distillery website for more information on their spirits.