Heritage & Distillery
Gattertop Spirits Co operates from the kind of setting that marketing departments dream about but rarely encounter in reality — an ancient Herefordshire farm whose orchards, hedgerows, and gardens supply the seven locally sourced botanicals that define this vodka's character. The company's commitment to hyper-local sourcing extends beyond mere rhetoric: the botanicals are genuinely foraged and harvested on the estate, creating a spirit whose provenance is not just traceable but visible from the distillery door.
Production
A clean grain spirit base is infused with seven estate-sourced botanicals, the precise selection of which varies subtly with the seasons, lending each batch a character that reflects the agricultural calendar. The vodka is distilled three times and bottled at 38% ABV — slightly below the conventional 40% threshold, a choice that preserves the botanicals' more delicate aromatic compounds at the cost of a marginal reduction in palate weight.
Tasting Notes
The nose presents a charming evocation of the English countryside — orchard fruits, principally ripe apple and pear, accompanied by elderflower, fresh herbs, and a grassy hedgerow quality that is entirely in keeping with the spirit's provenance. On the palate, the vodka is soft and approachable, with green apple, elderflower cordial, and meadowsweet balanced by a gentle herbal complexity. The body is light, the texture refreshing rather than substantial. The finish is short to medium, clean and floral with a pleasant grassy fade.
The Serve
This vodka is at its best in a long serve — over ice with elderflower tonic and a slice of green apple, it becomes a drink of considerable refreshment and charm. It also works well in a Gimlet, where the botanical character adds an interesting dimension to the classic lime and vodka combination.
Verdict
Gattertop No.7 is a thoroughly pleasant botanical vodka that succeeds in capturing a genuine sense of place. It lacks the depth and complexity of the best craft expressions, and the lower ABV limits its palate weight, but as an aperitif-style spirit it has considerable appeal. A charming rather than commanding vodka.
