July 01, 2019
Introducing Temperance
As a proud purveyor of London’s spirit, we’re thrilled to announce the introduction of a new lower alcohol spirit to our portfolio, ‘Temperance.’
Bottled at 4.2% ABV, Temperance by Portobello Road will be available to order from mid-July 2019. Temperance has been crafted especially for gin-fans who are looking to moderate their intake of alcohol yet don’t want to compromise on flavour.
A serve made with 50ml of Temperance mixed with 200ml tonic water holds just 0.8% ABV, while a classic ‘equal parts Negroni’ made with Temperance instead of Portobello Road London Dry will be almost 50% lower in alcohol and contain just 1.1 units.
Temperance, which means moderation, was created by Portobello Road Gin’s award-winning co-founder, Jake F. Burger and has been distilled using the same nine time-honoured botanicals that comprise Portobello Road Gin’s signature London Dry and Navy Strength. Jake developed bespoke techniques and added additional ingredients, such as naturally high mineral content water, botanical hydrosols and one or two secret ingredients to ensure the spirit harbours the intensity of flavour, texture and depth demanded by the modern drinker.
The resulting flavour profile is instantly weighty, with viscosity and a pleasant acidic sharpness. In the mouth, the citrus, floral, and particularly the winter spice notes are more pronounced than the nose would suggest, then eventually give way to juniper and pepper.
Temperance can be used as an alternative to gin or vodka in a variety of mixed drinks and it is recommended with a premium tonic water and twist of pink grapefruit. The depth and bold flavours of Temperance also make it a great spirit for creating lower-abv cocktails, including Negronis and Tom Collins’.
Portobello Road Gin’s co-founder, Jake F. Burger says:
“With the mindful drinking movement on the rise, we wanted to create a high-quality low-abv spirit for discerning drinkers and tastemakers.
“Everything we do here at Portobello Road Gin is inspired by gin’s rich heritage and while we would never call Temperance a gin – as it is below 37.5% – it was important to us that the spirit retained the flavour and texture of a classic gin.
Less alcohol content shouldn’t mean less flavour, in fact, the juniper, cassia bark and citrus notes are even more pronounced in Temperance, resulting in an unmistakably ginny flavour. The bold, aromatic qualities of Temperance mean that when mixed with tonic or in a cocktail its character and depth are incredibly pronounced.
“The same level of craftsmanship has gone into creating Temperance Spirit as our high ABV gins and at the forefront of the development process was how bartenders would be working with the product. So, like our London Dry, Temperance is robust in flavour and versatile enough to be used across a wide variety of serves and cocktails. We anticipate Temperance being used as the only base spirit in long very low alcohol drinks and also as an ingredient in drinks using multiple spirits where bartenders are looking to lower the overall ABV.”
The launch of Temperance is in response to an increasing number of consumers adopting a more mindful approach to drinking, with one-fifth of UK drinkers saying they are cutting down their drinking behaviours right now (Drink Aware), while a further 20.9% of Brits have adopted a tee-total lifestyle (ONS)
Tasting Notes
Nose: Intensely aromatic with bold notes of juniper, cinnamon and citrus, reminiscent of gin but not entirely representative of it, a suggestion of citrus, and the mildest hint of grass and wildflowers.
Palate: Instantly weighty, with viscosity and a pleasant acidic sharpness, in the mouth the citrus, floral, and particularly the winter spice notes are more pronounced than the nose would suggest, they eventually give way to juniper and pepper.
Finish: The flavour lives long on the palate and lingers seductively in the nose, even twenty, thirty seconds after a sip is taken the flavours and characteristics bounce around the palate, as the flavour eventually subside, mouth-watering, salivating sensations persevere.
Recipe
The Martinot
60 ml Temperance Spirit
5 ml Dolin Dry Vermouth
3 drops of Orange bitters
Shake and strain into a coupe glass
Photo Credit: La Maison Wellness