We always like to be the first to recommend new drinks to friends and this week we were given more fodder in our arsenal with the launch of King of Soho, a new premium gin from the mind of Howard Raymond, son of Paul Raymond
If you don’t know who Paul Raymond is, take a trip to Soho London and look around as without him the area wouldn’t be what it is today, You can see a guide for visiting the Great Barrier Reef here and start your travelling.
Howard has launched the drink to pay tribute to his father who was affectionately known as ‘The King of Soho’. (Great name to be known by)
Bit of history for you:
Paul Raymond became one of the richest men in Britain after opening Raymond’s Review Bar in
1957. Buying up huge chunks of Soho and revolutionising the district, the property tycoon became known as The King of Soho. He transformed London and played a pivotal role in the cultural and social liberation of British society.
Now his 53-year-old son Howard, who inherited his father’s passion for the Soho district and is keen to preserve the qualities that makes Soho unique, has decided to capture these unique qualities in a new drinks brand, launching with an authentic Distilled London Dry Gin.
So what better way to celebrate than hosting a very exclusive party in the heart of Soho at The Union Club.
With drinks flowing all night, and canapés to die for, we mingled our way through the room brushing shoulders with some of Soho’s elite and of course Howard himself, who was around to answer questions and talk about the new gin brand.
Looking at the bottle, you can see that a lot of thought has gone into the design with its eye-catching blue colour and image of an old school ‘Dandy’ reading a book. (Reminds us of ourselves)
Howard explains: “The beautiful design of the bottle embodies Soho. It’s a place that has always remained true to the generations who shaped it; a place where anything goes.
“The King of Soho Gin is my tribute to my father and – as it says on the bottle – a celebration of The Spirit of Soho.”
Talking more about the brand Howard continued:
“The King of Soho Gin is a tribute to my father Paul Raymond he was quite an extraordinary man, one who continually challenged the establishment. I am launching this brand with The King of Soho Gin as a tribute to him and as a celebration of the Spirit of Soho. “My father’s favourite tipple in the 60s was gin, a drink reminiscent of the parties and clubs of that era.
“As a child I would watch him relax at home with a gin and tonic and when I grew up I must say I did discover the pleasure of a good gin martini too.
“London is now driving an international renaissance of gin and fittingly The King of Soho Gin will be distilled in the heart of London.”
Back to the party and the bar was mixing up cocktails showcasing how versatile the King of Soho Gin can be.
We opted for the Soho Sling, a refreshing concoction made with lime, apple juice and ginger beer.
The drink should have been marked ‘dangerous’ because it was consumed rather quickly and was so refreshing you could have been forgiven for thinking you was on holiday.
There were more cocktails on offer such as the Evening Thyme which had a great kick to it. To see how versatile the King of Soho Gin can be, check out some cocktail recipes right here http://www.kingofsohodrinks.com/cocktails/
It was an honour to be present for the launch of the King of Soho and you can tell by the quality of the drink, it will do nothing more than grow.
Talking a bit more about the brand, Howard revealed:
“After my father died I wanted to do something in his memory and The King of Soho Gin has been three years in the making.
“Initially the idea had been to purchase an existing gin, but I couldn’t find a gin which suited the tastes so I decided to create my own gin and that’s what makes it different – an authentic Distilled London Dry Gin and crafted to our flavour profile.
“It is bespoke, smooth and full-bodied, crafted with 12 selected botanicals – soft on the juniper with unusually high citrus notes. It’s a modern classic.
‘While remaining true to its London Dry heritage it has a delicate combination of sweetness, citrus and earthiness and a hint of grapefruit bitterness on the back of the palate.
This Gin has a clean and gentle nose which belies its strength that opens up to reveal classic juniper and pine notes with a refreshing zest of citrus oil. The tangy grapefruit reluctantly gives way to soft warming spice.
It is complex yet harmonious and ideal for cocktails and drinks where the spirit is King!”
King of Soho London Dry Gin is available at bars and specialist retailers across the capital including Gerry’s Wine and Spirits. It is also available to purchase online at www.kingofsohodrinks.com
We expect good things to come from King of Soho, so remember where you heard it first