Ableforth's Bathtub gin - Rose & Cardamom

Tasting Notes of the Curator

The nose opens softly with juniper and candied lemon peel, soon followed by a delicate swell of rose—fragrant yet restrained, never perfumed. There’s an immediate sense of Turkish delight and sugared petals, with cardamom quietly rising behind it, adding a warming backbone that steadies the florals. On the palate, the gin is supple and layered. Juniper remains prominent, but it dances rather than dominates, buoyed by the interplay of rosewater and earthy spice. The cardamom brings an exotic, almost chai-like warmth that grounds the sweeter notes, while a thread of citrus keeps the finish clean. It evokes memories of spiced confections and floral desserts—think kulfi, rose kulcha, or even saffron milk. The mouthfeel is smooth, bordering on creamy, and the finish is long and satisfying, with a final lift of dried petals and orange rind. It is a gin both romantic and resolute—soft at first, but undeniably structured underneath.

Pairings and Suggestions

Here’s how to best enjoy this floral-spiced gin, from aperitif to dessert—each pairing chosen to accentuate its elegant warmth and layered complexity:

• Floral Martini with Watermelon Vermouth – A delicate, aromatic stir-down where rose sings and spice lingers softly behind the fruit.
• Elderflower G&T with a Lemon Twist – Light and effervescent, this pairing brings out the gin’s fragrant top notes with a clean, citrusy finish.
• Pistachio-Crumbled Rosewater Panna Cotta – A silky dessert that mirrors the gin’s floral and earthy warmth with each spoonful.
• Cardamom-Lemon Financier – This gently spiced cake draws out the gin’s comforting depth while allowing its crispness to shine.
• Smoked Salmon Blinis with Dill Crème Fraîche – The buttery richness and herbal finish beautifully contrast the botanical backbone of the spirit.

The Revival in a Bathtub

This expression builds on the storied cold-compounding method of the original Bathtub base—respecting tradition, not trending gimmicks. It infuses rose petals and cardamom into the classic mix of juniper, orange peel, coriander, cinnamon, cloves over a gentle seven days, resulting in an aromatic translucence.

Unlike many flavored gins, this offering retains the integrity of the Bathtub lineage without diluting its character. While the Rose & Cardamom variant itself has not yet earned standalone spirit awards, it proudly inherits the prestige of its parent brand—Ableforth’s Bathtub Gin, winner of 40+ industry awards including World Gin Awards gold medals in 2019, 2020, and 2022

Storage Instructions

Discover Rose & Cardamom — the floral-spiced sister of Ableforth’s award-winning Bathtub Gin. Delicately infused and crafted for floral cocktails and refined pairings.