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The science behind Rutland Square Spirits' carefully chosen strength
When you pick up a bottle of Rutland Square Chai Spiced Scottish Gin, you'll notice it's bottled at 41% ABV (Alcohol by Volume). This isn't a random number - it's a carefully calculated decision that represents that perfect intersection of botanical expression, flavour balance, and drinking pleasure. Let's explore the fascinating science behind the choice and why 41%ABV creates the ideal canvas for our unique Oolong White Tea and chai spice symphony.
What is ABV and Why Does it Matter?
ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume - It's the percentage of pure ethanol in our gin. When we say our gin is 41%ABV, it means that 41% of the liquid in your bottle is pure alcohol, while the remaining 59% consists of water, essential oils from our organic botanicals, and the complex flavour compounds that make gin so distinctive.
But ABV isn't just about strength-it's about flavour delivery. The alcohol acts as a carrier for the aromatic compounds extracted from our botanicals during distillation. Too little alcohol, and those delicate Oolong tea notes and chai spices can't reach their full potential. Too much, and the alcohol heat overwhelms the subtle complexity we've worked so hard to achieve.
The Legal Framework: More Than Just Meeting Requirements
By UK and EU law, any spirit calling itself "gin" must be at least 37.5% ABV. But at Rutland Square Spirits, we've never been interested in just meeting the minimum requirements. Our 41% ABV puts us comfortably above this threshold while positioning our gin in what distillers call the "sweet spot" for botanical expression.
Most premium craft gins fall between 40-47% ABV, with 40% being the most common choice for commercial gins. Our decision to go with 41% reflects our commitment to maximizing the potential of our unique botanical blend while maintaining exceptional drinkability.
The Science of Botanical Extraction at 41% ABV
Enhanced Aromatics and Volatility
At 41% ABV, our gin achieves optimal volatile compound release. The essential oils from our carefully selected Oolong White Tea-sourced after sampling over 100 variants-need just the right alcohol strength to become aromatic when you nose the glass. Lower ABV spirits have higher surface tension, making it harder for these delicate tea aromatics to escape and reach your senses.
This is particularly crucial for our chai spiced blend. The warm notes of cardamon, cinnamon, and cubeb pepper require sufficient alcohol strength to carry their complex aromatic without being overpowered by ethanol burn.
The Oolong White Tea Advantage
At 41% ABV, we can capture:
- Floral tea notes that would be lost at lower strengths
- Delicate earthiness from the tea's terroir
The alcohol percentage we've chosen ensures these tea characteristics integrate seamlessly with our Scottish juniper and traditional gin botanicals.
The Edinburgh Distillation Advantage
Distilled at Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh using traditional copper pot stills, our gin undergoes a precise distillation process. Read more
Perfect for Cocktails and Neat Sipping
Cocktail Performance
At 41% ABV our gin holds its own in cocktails without being overpowering. Whether you're making our signature Mumbai Mule with Sepoy's Original Ginger Ale or a classic G&T, the strength ensures our unique chai spice and tea notes remain prominent even when mixed.
The slightly higher ABV also means our gin performs exceptionally well in stirred cocktails like a Chai Spiced Martini, where the alcohol needs to carry complex flavours without dilution overwhelming the botanical expression.
Neat Sipping Excellence
Many gin enthusiasts prefer to taste premium gins neat to fully appreciate their complexity. At 41% ABV, our gin offers:
- Manageable warmth that enhances rather than masks the botanicals
- Full flavour development on the palate
- Smooth finish that invites contemplation of each botanical layer
The Global Context: Craft Distilling Trends
Internationally, many award-winning craft gins are moving toward the 41-42% ABV range. This trend reflects a growing understanding that optimal botanical expression often requires slightly higher alcohol content than the traditional 40%.
Distilleries like Fortune Signature Dry Gin specifically choose 41% "to ensure each botanical is tasted within each layer of the gin," while Furnace Street Distillery uses 41% ABV for both their Premium and London Dry expressions. We're proud to be part of this movement toward precision in gin making.
Experience the difference that precision makes. Try Rutland Square Chai Spiced Scottish Gin at 41%ABV-the perfect balance of Scottish craft and Indian heritage.
Tasting Notes: Bright orange and floral zest on the nose, with delicate Oolong tea and juniper balance, finishing with sweet chai spice notes. Best served with tonic water and a lemon wedge, or in our signature Mumbai Mule cocktail.
Available: 70cl bottles at 41% ABV, and Twin Mini Pack(2x5cl) for the perfect introduction to our unique gin.
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