Fords Gin
Fords Gin is the bartender's London dry — a nine-botanical gin distilled at Thames Distillers in London and bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV) in a 750mL bottle. Created by Simon Ford of The 86 Co. with eighth-generation master distiller Charles Maxwell and input from 150+ bartenders, it was engineered from the ground up to perform in cocktails: juniper-forward, citrus-bright, and bottled at a strength that holds its structure against dilution. Named Best New Spirit at Tales of the Cocktail 2013. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 90 proof (45% ABV) — 750mL
- Botanicals: 9 — juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, orris root, cassia, jasmine flower, lemon, bitter orange, and grapefruit peel
- Distillery: Thames Distillers, London — master distiller Charles Maxwell (The 86 Co.)
- Process: 15-hour botanical steep; distilled in 500-liter copper pot stills; proofed with spring water
- Style: juniper-forward London dry — aromatic, viscous, cocktail-engineered
Designed for the Mixing Glass
Most gins are built for sipping; Fords was built for shaking and stirring. The extended 15-hour maceration extracts an unusually high oil content from the botanicals, giving it a rich, viscous texture rare in London dry gin — and the 45% bottling strength means a martini or Negroni stays structured instead of washing out. It is a modern classic that earned its stripes in working bars before it ever hit a shelf. See more from Fords or browse gin at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Juniper leads immediately with coriander and angelica, then bright citrus oils — lemon and grapefruit — with delicate jasmine and faint vanilla; viscous, silky entry; rich juniper through a long, aromatic finish (per retailer and expert consensus).
How to Enjoy
Martinis (2½ parts gin to ½ part dry vermouth is Ford's own house ratio), Negronis, and gin & tonics — anywhere dilution demands structure. Excellent dry martinis are this bottle's home turf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Fords Gin?
Thames Distillers in London under master distiller Charles Maxwell, created by Simon Ford of The 86 Co. with input from over 150 bartenders.
What are the 9 botanicals?
Juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, orris root, cassia bark, jasmine flower, lemon peel, bitter orange peel, and grapefruit peel.
Why 45% ABV?
The strength was chosen specifically to maintain aromatic intensity and structure when the gin is diluted in cocktails.
The cocktail workhorse, perfected — order Fords Gin online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.