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James May launches American mustard gin

04 November 2022 By Louis Thomas

Fresh off the success of his Asian Parsnip gin, motoring journalist turned distiller James May has launched a fiery new flavour that will cut the mustard in your next G&T.

Describing the significance of this slightly off-piste new flavour, May said: “American Mustard is not in itself a recognised strain of the genus brassica. It is more conceptual; an abstract signifier of America’s greatness. In producing this gin, I am acknowledging the UK’s debt to the Land of the Free and celebrating the special relationship our two nations enjoy.”

Continuing on the theme of the gin as a symbol of the ‘Special Relationship’ between the UK and US, May said: “It’s a bit like the one Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher had. Theirs helped to end the Cold War. Conversely, we will create warmth in your belly and a slight sensation of fire on the tongue.”

That warmth in the belly will come from this gin’s signature botanical, yellow mustard seeds. To add to the somewhat hot dog/burger-themed flavour profile there is also gherkin and dried tomato. Other botanicals include coriander seed, angelica root, liquorice root, orange peel, cubeb pepper, rosemary, caraway seeds, ginger, bay, and, essential for a gin, juniper.

May suggests having it over ice with tonic “while discussing how those bloody Yanks spell so many of their words incorrectly.”

Just 500 bottles of the limited-edition spirit were available for pre-order, at £39 for a 70 centilitre bottle, though those have now sold out, at the time of writing. The official launch is due in a couple of days.

May may well use his new flavour in more cooking videos. To discover how his attempt at gin-battered fish and chips went, click here.