A new expression from Gin 1689, The Queen Mary Edition, is being launched in the UK just in time for Valentine’s Day. Based on the same recipe as the original Gin 1689, The Queen Mary Edition is designed to reflect the 17th century when the world’s first pink gin was created after mixing the original spirit with bruised strawberries and raspberries.

Founders of the Amsterdam Craft Gin Company, Alexander Janssens and Patrick van der Peet, created Gin 1689 based on an original 300-year-old recipe from the time of King William III of England, also known as William of Orange, and Queen Mary II, found in the archives of the British Library.

The founders spent two years searching the archives of the British Library for the recipe whilst living in London and were excited to uncover the secret recipe in the rare books section. The recipe lists the original ingredients, but the exact quantities were concealed by a code created by Distillers of London, which proved unbreakable. The founders acquired the exclusive rights to the recipe and tasked the master distiller at Herman Jansen in the Netherlands, a family distillery dating back to 1777, to recreate the gin recipe for them.

Gin 1689 – The Queen Mary Edition is, like the original expression, a classic juniper style spirit with botanicals such as dried quince and pippin (apple), lemon and orange peel, nutmeg, aniseed, and clove. The addition of the strawberries and raspberries give this first Dutch Pink Gin a pink hue and red fruity nose, which blends well with the spiciness of the original gin.

It is a 100% sugar-free pink gin in a distinctive royal red bottle with luxurious gold lettering. Best served with premium Indian tonic, ice, and garnished with sliced strawberries.

Janssens says, “We are really excited to introduce Gin 1689, The Queen Mary Edition to the UK. It follows on from the successful launch of the original Gin 1689 last year and continues to celebrate its Dutch heritage. It is the rebirth of an ancient premium gin recipe dating back from the time that the gin craze started in the UK. With our distinctive packaging and great tasting liquid, we’re confident that we can make a mark here. I was thrilled to discover the recipe whilst working in London and spending time in the British Library, as we knew William of Orange brought his Jenever recipe over to England when he became King; the beginning of gin’s popularity.

Available from Master of Malt