Sneak Peek: Beefeater Gin distiller teases with new limited edition gin sample

How will the upcoming Beefeater Summer Limited Edition release be bottled? We have no clue.

DURING A MARCH 22 SEMINAR and tasting of English and other gins, Desmond Payne, Master Distiller for Beefeater and Beefeater 24, gave participants a sneak preview of an all-new gin slated for a summer release. The limited edition gin, with a working title of Beefeater Summer Edition, will be available for three months beginning in June. The "Gin-posium" was held in Manhattan at the W Hotel Union Square for bartenders and press, and sponsored by Beefeater and Plymouth gins.

"Because Beefeater uses the original recipe from founder James Burrough, it's my job to leave it alone," says Payne. "A couple of years ago, however, I got the opportunity to do something different and, following a lot of research, developed what became Beefeater 24." The primary additions to 24 over Beefeater Dry are grapefruit and two kinds of teas, producing a rich, deep nose and hints of earth and cinnamon with a soft juniper finish.

Now, with the upcoming Beefeater Summer Edition (if all goes according to plan), Payne once again gets to play with the flavor profile of the traditional London Dry Gin.

"What I've done this time around, is to take the Beefeater recipe and add three more botanicals: Hibiscus flowers, Elderflower and Black Currant leaf," says Payne.  "What I've tried to do is prepare a lighter style of gin for the summer."

Payne cautions that what was sampled at the "Gin-posium" was not the finished product (the large final batch affects the proportions of botanical ingredients used and how they interact). Still, the sneak peak should give a pretty good idea of what he's going for: Light, crisp and "summery." The sneak peak compared favorably to botanical-heavy gins like Hendrick's and of course Beefeater's own 24, but definitely offers up a lighter, greener bouquet, a smooth mouthfeel and a crisp finish. We don't want to reveal more until a more complete product is available, but suffice to say it looks as if this summer is going to be a good one.

"I'm picturing refreshing gin punches 'round the barbecue grill," says Payne.

If Beefeater stays on schedule, look for the new Beefeater Summer Edition (or whatever its final name is) to appear in bars and on store shelves this June 2010.