The London No. 1, frequently styled as The London Nº1, is a premium gin brand owned by the Spanish wine and spirits producer González Byass. Despite its Spanish ownership, the spirit is distilled in London at Thames Distillers and maintains a distinctly British identity. It is widely recognised for its pale turquoise-blue colour, which distinguishes it from most traditional clear gins in the premium segment.

The London Nº1 was conceived during the revival of premium gin, drawing inspiration from the complex, aromatic spirits of 19th-century London while establishing a contemporary identity [1]. The gin was developed by Charles Maxwell, a seventh-generation distiller from a long-established London distilling family, in collaboration with Martin Gill, whose expertise in tea and spices influenced the botanical profile. Maxwell continues to oversee the distillation process.

The brand was initially launched in Spain in the mid-2000s, with industry reports dating its market introduction to 2005. It subsequently expanded internationally, entering the United States market in 2014.

A significant milestone occurred around 2009, when the product was renamed from The London Gin to The London No. 1. This change was necessitated by evolving European regulations regarding the definition of “London Gin”; because the production process included additional finishing elements such as bergamot oil and colouring, the new name was adopted to distinguish the product from the regulated designation [1].

Since 2010, the brand has been owned by González Byass. The company confirms that Charles Maxwell remains involved in the distillation at Thames Distillers, utilising a small copper pot still known as “Tom Thumb”.

The London Nº1 is part of the portfolio of González Byass, a family-owned Spanish producer internationally renowned for Tío Pepe sherry and other wines and spirits. The brand represents a distinct contrast within the portfolio, combining London production and British gin tradition with Spanish ownership. González Byass acquired the brand in 2010 and has since developed it as a key component of its international spirits offering.

The London Nº1 is produced in small batches in London using traditional copper pot-still distillation. Official descriptions emphasise the combination of carefully selected botanicals, traditional methods, and the brand’s signature colour. While historical technical materials described the spirit base as high-quality grain spirit distilled in copper pot stills, specifications have evolved over time. Earlier references listed the gin at 47% ABV, but current specifications from González Byass list the standard London Nº1 at 43% ABV. Consequently, older references to a 47% expression do not reflect the current standard bottling.

Botanicals

The recipe comprises 12 botanicals. Ingredients identified in brand-associated sources include:

• Juniper
• Coriander
• Angelica root
• Lemon peel
• Orange peel
• Liquorice
• Cinnamon
• Almond
• Savory
• Orris/lily root
• Bergamot
• Other aromatic botanical components

While the presentation of the botanical list varies between historical and current materials, the defining characteristic remains the 12-botanical recipe, with bergamot serving as a critical element of the brand’s aromatic signature.

The most visually distinctive feature of The London Nº1 is its blue-turquoise appearance. González Byass attributes this colour to the “blue-haze” gins of historic London, achieved through a delicate alkaline colouring process. Older descriptions have also associated the hue with gardenia flowers [1]. Generally described as pale turquoise, aquamarine, or blue, the colour serves as a central pillar of the brand’s visual identity, differentiating it immediately on the back bar compared to traditional clear gins.

The London Nº1 is crafted as a complex, aromatic gin rather than a purely juniper-dominant spirit. Its flavour profile integrates several key elements:

• Juniper: Provides the classic gin foundation.
• Citrus: Notes of orange, lemon, and particularly bergamot.
• Herbs: Contribute freshness and balsamic character.
• Spices: Including cinnamon and coriander.
• Liquorice: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet aromatic quality.
• Bergamot: Imparts an aroma reminiscent of Earl Grey tea.

Bergamot is arguably the most distinctive component of the flavour architecture, combining citrus character with the aromatic qualities associated with tea [1]. The overall impression is aromatic, citrusy, herbal, and lightly spicy, with a relatively long, fresh finish. González Byass describes the gin as delicate yet aromatic, featuring balsamic herbs and spice.

The packaging is integral to the brand’s positioning. The combination of turquoise liquid, clear glass, and elegant typography is intended to convey old-world London sophistication rather than contemporary nightclub-style branding. Marketing materials frequently utilise imagery of London streets, historic gin culture, British architecture, and the classic Gin & Tonic to reinforce this identity.

The core product is the standard The London Nº1 turquoise-blue gin. The portfolio also includes The London Nº1 Sherry Cask, an expression that bridges the brand’s London gin identity with González Byass’s Spanish sherry heritage. This variant is aged for three months in Tío Pepe sherry casks, imparting subtle oak and vinous characteristics while retaining the botanical foundation. It is bottled at 43% ABV.

Special formats and limited products are also available, including a 4.5-litre bottle and the limited London Nº1 Sounds presentation.

The London Nº1 Sherry Cask

The Sherry Cask expression connects the traditions of London gin-making and Andalusian sherry-making. Maturation in Tío Pepe casks introduces wood and wine-derived notes, resulting in a profile positioned as smoother and more complex than the standard expression, with a long, velvety finish.

The London Nº1 occupies the premium and super-premium gin segment. Its differentiation relies on several factors:

1. Authentic London distillation.
2. Traditional small-batch copper-pot craftsmanship.
3. A complex 12-botanical recipe.
4. Prominent bergamot character evoking Earl Grey tea.
5. Distinctive turquoise colour.
6. Evocation of historical London gin heritage.
7. Spanish ownership adding wine and sherry provenance.

Unlike conventional London Dry gin, which typically emphasises a clear spirit and clean finish, The London Nº1 offers a turquoise spirit with an aromatic finish derived from its specific botanical blend [1].

The London Nº1 is particularly suited to the Gin & Tonic, historically one of its principal serves. Its aromatic profile allows it to pair well with restrained mixers, ensuring the bergamot, citrus, and herbal elements remain perceptible. The brand is also used in contemporary cocktails, where its tea-like bergamot character complements citrus-forward drinks [1]. The recommended serve philosophy prioritises premium gin, quality tonic, appropriate garnish, and ample ice over excessive ingredients.

The brand character can be described as elegant, British, sophisticated, eccentric, aromatic, and traditional yet unconventional. This duality stems from its adherence to London distilling traditions and classic botanicals, juxtaposed against its striking blue colour and stylised presentation. This combination appeals to consumers seeking a recognisable classic gin experience with distinctive visual and aromatic traits.

• 2005: Initial launch reported in Spain.
• 2006: Industry materials date early development and market introduction to this period.
• 2009: Renamed from The London Gin to The London No. 1 [1].
• 2010: Acquired by González Byass.
• 2014: Expansion into the U.S. market, launching in New York and Florida.
• 2020s: Continued distillation in London under Charles Maxwell; portfolio expansion with The London Nº1 Sherry Cask.
• 2026: Remains part of the González Byass international spirits portfolio.

1. Spotlight on The London No.1 | Gintime