Hendrick's Gin Midsummer Solstice 750ML is a limited edition floral Scottish gin bottled at 43.4% ABV (86.8 proof). Born from master distiller Lesley Gracie's "Cabinet of Curiosities" — a locked collection of experimental distillates at the Hendrick's Gin Palace — this expression channels the fragrant peak of summer blooms into a juniper spirit unlike any standard London Dry. Quick Facts: ABV: 43.4% | Origin: Girvan, Scotland | Limited Edition – Cabinet of Curiosities Series | Distillery: Hendrick's Gin Palace Production & Heritage Hendrick's operates out of the Gin Palace in Girvan, Scotland, where every batch runs through two distinct stills: a rare 1860 Bennett pot still and a 1948 Carter-Head still. The two distillates are married together, then infused post-distillation with natural floral essences that define the Midsummer Solstice character. While the core Hendrick's expression relies heavily on its signature cucumber and rose infusion, Midsummer Solstice shifts the botanical emphasis toward a broader floral bouquet inspired by the blooms of the summer solstice, layering orange blossom and other delicate botanicals over the traditional eleven-botanical base. Tasting Notes Aroma: Raspberries and natural strawberries open the nose, followed quickly by rose petals and orange blossom. Beneath the fruit, juniper holds its ground alongside zesty lemon and an airy, garden-fresh floral quality. Taste: The entry is soft lavender, strawberry, and rose hip — immediately more floral than the original Hendrick's. Candied citrus rind, especially sweet orange, unfolds through the mid-palate. A subtle spice of sandalwood arrives alongside juniper and pine facets, adding structure to the otherwise delicate profile. Finish: Gentle spice and mild pine linger without overstaying, leaving the palate remarkably fresh — almost like a violet-mint confection. The finish is medium in length, clean, and dry enough to invite another sip. How to Drink Midsummer Solstice Neat or over a single large ice cube, Midsummer Solstice reveals its full floral complexity with minimal dilution. A simple gin and tonic with a grapefruit twist preserves the botanical intensity while adding refreshment. In a French 75, the gin's citrus-blossom character pairs naturally with Champagne and lemon. A Bee's Knees works well here because honey amplifies the lavender and rose notes already present. For a summery Gimlet, the fresh lime juice cuts through the floral sweetness and highlights the juniper backbone. Best For Gifting a gin enthusiast who already owns the core Hendrick's range Warm-weather garden parties and outdoor entertaining Building a collection of limited release gins from notable distilleries Introducing floral gin styles to drinkers transitioning from vodka or light spirits Frequently Asked Questions What does Midsummer Solstice taste like? Midsummer Solstice leads with lavender, rose hip, and strawberry before sweet orange rind and sandalwood spice emerge at mid-palate. The finish is clean, gently spiced, and refreshingly minty. How does Midsummer Solstice compare to Brockman's Gin? Both gins lean into bold floral and berry notes, but Midsummer Solstice runs drier and more juniper-forward, while Brockman's tends toward a rounder, darker-fruit profile with blueberry and blackberry. Midsummer Solstice also carries a slightly higher ABV at 43.4% versus Brockman's 40%. Is Midsummer Solstice good for cocktails? Its pronounced floral character shines in gin-forward cocktails like the French 75 and Bee's Knees, where the botanicals are not buried under heavy mixers. It also makes an exceptional gin and tonic with minimal garnish. Where is Midsummer Solstice made? Midsummer Solstice is distilled at the Hendrick's Gin Palace in Girvan, on the southwest coast of Scotland, using a combination of an 1860 Bennett pot still and a 1948 Carter-Head still. What foods pair well with Midsummer Solstice? Fresh goat cheese with honeycomb complements the floral and herbal botanicals. Smoked salmon canapés echo the gin's citrus notes. Cucumber finger sandwiches play off Hendrick's classic profile. Lemon tarts mirror the zesty nose. Grilled stone fruit — peaches or apricots — amplifies the strawberry and rose character. What sizes does Midsummer Solstice come in? Midsummer Solstice is most commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle size. Is Midsummer Solstice worth the price? Midsummer Solstice positions as a premium limited edition expression, sitting above the core Hendrick's lineup in both price and complexity. For drinkers who value distinctive floral gins with genuine provenance and small-batch dual-still production, it represents strong value within the limited release category. Why Midsummer Solstice? What separates Midsummer Solstice from the broader Hendrick's family is its origin inside Lesley Gracie's Cabinet of Curiosities — a private repository of unreleased experimental distillates that only see daylight when Gracie judges them ready. The dual-still production method, marrying a Victorian-era Bennett pot still with a mid-century Carter-Head still, creates a textural depth most single-still gins cannot replicate. The post-distillation floral infusion pushes the spirit well beyond conventional juniper-dominant territory without abandoning it, landing in a space that is genuinely distinct among premium gins. As a limited edition, it rewards collectors and drinkers alike with a seasonal character that the core range does not attempt to deliver.
