James Gin Asian Parsnip

Product Description

James Gin Asian Parsnip: A Genuinely Odd Idea from a Genuinely Famous Name

James Gin comes from James May, the broadcaster best known for Top Gear and The Grand Tour, whose actual first foray into spirits turned out to be just as idiosyncratic as his television career. "I had an idea for a gin that is very British, using parsnip, which reminds me of dampness, combined with the spicy sparkle of the Asian spices found in Indian food," May explains. "This gin, my first, celebrates both my homeland and the pleasures I've enjoyed over many decades of international travel at other people's expense. It sounds like a slightly mad idea, but then so did the telephone."

Parsnip was historically used as a sweetener long before sugar became widely available, and it brings a genuinely uncommon nutty sweetness to the gin. That root vegetable base is combined with ginger, green cardamom, cubeb pepper, fenugreek, grains of paradise, licorice root, sweet orange, juniper, angelica root, and coriander seed, layering warming Far Eastern spice over a classic London Dry foundation. The result is a warming, lightly sweet gin unlike most anything else on the shelf, distilled at Downton Distillery and bottled at 40% ABV.

Whether you're drawn in by the sheer novelty of a celebrity-backed parsnip gin or you're genuinely curious what a root vegetable brings to the category, James Gin Asian Parsnip is, in the words of its own maker, "a comfort and a thrill in equal measure."

Tasting Notes

Nose: Classic London Dry character upfront, with plenty of juniper, cardamom, and coriander, developing an earthier, incense-like quality with time in the glass.

Palate: Milder, dusky juniper with toasted spice and a gentle butteriness from the parsnip, alongside licorice root, black pepper warmth, and a nutty, walnut-like roundness.

Finish: Long and warming, with lingering ginger, cardamom, black pepper, and a hint of spiced sweetness.

Food Pairings

James Gin Asian Parsnip's warming, spiced profile pairs well with roasted root vegetables, curry-spiced dishes, or aged cheddar, echoing its own blend of British and Asian influences.

Serving Suggestions

James May's own recommended serve is simple: fill a glass with ice, add 50ml of Asian Parsnip Gin, top with light tonic, and garnish with an orange slice to bring out the parsnip's natural sweetness. It also holds up well in a Martini or Negroni for those who want its spice to stand out in a stirred cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who created James Gin? Broadcaster James May, best known for Top Gear and The Grand Tour, created Asian Parsnip as his first venture into spirits.

Does this gin actually taste like parsnip? Opinions vary. Some tasters find a clear nutty, earthy parsnip character, while others describe it more as a well-balanced, warming spiced gin where the parsnip plays a supporting role rather than a dominant note.

What is the alcohol content? 40% ABV (80 proof). A higher-strength 57% ABV Navy Strength version is also available.

What are the key botanicals? Parsnip, ginger, green cardamom, cubeb pepper, fenugreek, grains of paradise, licorice root, sweet orange, juniper, angelica root, and coriander seed.

How should I enjoy it? In a simple Gin & Tonic with light tonic and an orange slice, per James May's own recommended serve, or in a Martini or Negroni.

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