The Bite Magazine Issue 17

bite drinks BOLD & DISTINCTIVE T he first thing that will probably strike people when they see a Bulldog London Dry Gin is the bottle. I can say for sure I’ve never seen a bottle of gin quite like it! Glossy black all over with bright writing in white and the word ‘BULLDOG’ in prominent bold lettering is the very opposite to the usual reserved attitude of most gins. The design is very clever; with a squat and stocky shape I’d almost call broad- shouldered, not to mention the studded ‘collar’ on its neck. It’s about as close to the stereotypical British bulldog image a bottle could get (without trying to look like a dog). This has probably led to some people believing that this is where the Bulldog name comes from but it is in fact an homage to Winston Churchill, a man Anshuman Vohra, founder and CEO of Bulldog London Dry Gin, greatly admires for his ability to inspire people and the famous ‘British Bulldog spirit’ he demonstrated during WWII. Churchill was also famously a fan of gin (to put it in perspective he once said: “The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the Empire”) which may or may not have been an influence, but is a nice touch either way. Sometimes before you try something new for the first time, you’re not always sure whether you will like it or not. This was not the case with Bulldog London Dry Gin. As soon as I opened the bottle Vivi Callanan discovers the smooth and enjoyable taste of Bulldog London Dry Gin that would mix well with elderflower or other fruity based flavours.