Gin Original Distillerie Le Secret de l'Herbier

Gin L'Original from Distillerie l'Herbier is a premium Burgundy gin, gold medallist at the European Spirits Awards, Frankfurt Inter Trophy, Asian Spirits Challenge, and London Tasting Awards, plus silver at the World Gin Awards and London Spirit. This string of international honours confirms what Dijon lovers already know: Distillerie l'Herbier, located in Plombières-lès-Dijon just steps from Les Clos Vivants, produces spirits of remarkable precision and territorial identity. A source of local pride and proximity.

Botanicals and production

L'Original is built around some fifteen organic aromatic plants, the majority from Burgundy and France, several deliberately kept secret. The botanicals revealed are Burgundy blackcurrant buds, which are the absolute signature and founding identity of this gin, juniper berry, cardamom, coriander, pink peppercorn, iris root, myrtle berry, citrus fruits, sweet woodruff and Corsican fig leaf. The Burgundy blackcurrant bud is a stylistic choice of absolute singularity: it brings an intense, fruity freshness that immediately sets this gin apart from all others and speaks unambiguously to its roots in the world capital of blackcurrant. Production relies on long cold maceration by stages, carried out locally in Burgundy, for maximum extraction of the essential oils from each botanical. Distillation is conducted in a pot still. Alcohol content: 43% vol.

Tasting profile

The nose is immediately fresh and expressive: aromas of bergamot and fresh citron burst forth brilliantly, punctuated by a light spice note and a touch of the fresh blackcurrant bud characteristic of Burgundy. On the palate, the first sip reveals a bright citrus core supported by the great freshness of the blackcurrant bud, completed by generous woody and spicy notes of juniper, clove and cardamom. The finish is smooth and comforting, with a lovely sweetness from the sweet woodruff and Corsican fig leaf, leaving an impression of prolonged, delicately herbaceous freshness. The aromatic profile is equally fruity and spicy, with delicate floral and vegetable touches, and a discreet woody background that brings structure and depth.

The distillery

Distillerie l'Herbier is an artisanal distillery based in Plombières-lès-Dijon, just minutes from Dijon's centre and Les Clos Vivants. Steeped in the spirit trade, it produces a complete range comprising five seasonal gins, four vodkas, a pastis, an aquavit, a bitter vermouth and a new make, all crafted with organic botanicals, the majority from Burgundy and France. Distillerie l'Herbier is a Dijon address whose international recognition confirms that Burgundy knows how to speak its terroirs beyond the wine glass.

Tasting and pairing

This Gin L'Original is best enjoyed neat over ice in a balloon glass, to appreciate the freshness of the blackcurrant bud and the complexity of the botanicals. As a Gin Tonic, it will shine with a premium dry tonic, Indian tonic or Mediterranean tonic, dressed with a lime zest or a splash of fresh blackcurrant. It is equally ideal for a gin-revisited Kir, or a homemade cocktail based on citrus and blackcurrant liqueur. At aperitif time, it will accompany with elegance Comté cheese gougères, nibbles made from Burgundy cheeses, or slices of jambon persillé de Bourgogne.