JJ Whitley is a brand founded in 2017 and owned by Halewood Artisanal Spirits. The name comes from John James Whitley, who was once the CEO of Greenall & Whitley Co. The Whitley family is said to have been distilling alcohol since 1762. Halewood previously produced the base spirit in a factory in Russia, but due to the war in Ukraine, it moved production to England. In addition to JJ Whitley, the company produces Whitley Neil gin and vodka in different flavors. The company also produces, among others, Pogues whiskey and Dead Man’s Finger rum.

JJ Whitley Nettle Gin is no longer produced by the company, and it seems that no information can be found about it anymore. In addition to traditional herbs, juniper berries, coriander seeds and lemon, nettle leaves and seeds have also been used in the production. A 70 cl bottle was purchased several years ago in Lithuania and cost €14.99 at the time.

The smell is quite light and has mainly juniper berries aromas. A very classic and London Dry-type nose. The taste has some earthy nuances. However, juniper berries dominate the taste, lemon and light hints of other herbs are also in the background. Nettle is not really noticeable at all, except for the slightly grassy aroma that appears right at the beginning. Nettle has a very subtle flavor anyway, you can chop it generously into an omelet or pancake batter, and it doesn’t give much flavor. When you add a little water to the glass, an original, somewhat metallic aroma emerges. The gin is very dry and quite close to the London Dry product. JJ Whitle Nettle gin is worth mixing with a light-flavored tonic water if you want to bring out the subtle aroma of the nettle. Otherwise, the subtle aroma is mercilessly covered up by tonic water base taste.

A pretty good basic gin, but nothing special in taste and the nettle in the product is mostly just a marketing gimmick.

76/100