Chemistry one of “World’s best London Dry Gins”: IWSC

The International Wine and Spirits Competition has named New Zealand’s Chemistry Gin one of its “Top 10 London Dry Gins to try”.

It is the only gin from the southern hemisphere included in the list.

Published in the March 2024 issue of its magazine, Club Oenologique, the IWSC judges state:

“With expressive citrus notes and a distinctive juniper core, there's a reason the classic style of gin continues to flourish. Here are 10 of the best London Dry gins from the IWSC 2023.”

Chemistry Gin competed in the 2023 IWSC, scoring an impressive 92 out of 100 possible points in the London Dry category, and taking home a silver medal.

The IWSC article lists a number of well-known gin brands, from Beefeater London Dry (which scored 91), No. 3 London Dry Gin (93), Gibson’s London Dry to Aldi’s Haysmith’s London Dry Gin (93). Topping the list with a score of 95 was Gyre & Gimble’s NOHOW London Dry Gin, which won a Gold medal.

“For Chemistry Gin to be included in this prestigious list is an honour,” noted Dr Marie van Drimmelen, co-founder of the Karori Drinks Company and the person who created the distinctive recipe for Chemistry Gin.

“We entered the IWSC competition only a few months after launching our product. We had already won a gold medal at the Women’s Wine and Spirit Awards, so were keen to try our luck at one of the most well-known and highly regarded spirits competitions in London.”

“Chemistry is a juniper-forward gin — it’s a modern London Dry that people describe as super fresh and easy to drink. Its botanicals include Sichuan peppercorns, which impart citrus, as well as sage and seaweed.

“At 44 per cent alcohol by volume, it’s full of flavour. That’s because the alcohol carries the flavour. As a result, Chemistry stands up in cocktails like a Negroni or a Southside. It’s also delicious in a Martini, or on its own,” she added.

In their tasting notes for Chemistry Gin, the IWSC judges noted, “Bold nose of cut grass and pine forest. The texture is silky, with touches of green cardamom pods alongside juniper and citrus. The flavours extend in an attractive floral finish.”

To purchase a bottle of Chemistry Gin for delivery in New Zealand, click here.

You can read the IWSC article here: Top 10 London Dry Gins to Try.