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A Spirit with a Mission

What sets Kennet Crayfish Gin apart is not just its unusual ingredients, but the reason behind them. The story begins with the River Kennet, a rare and ecologically precious chalk stream that winds through southern England. Known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse wildlife, it’s also facing a serious threat from invasive American signal crayfish.

Originally introduced to the UK in the 1970s for aquaculture, the species quickly became a destructive force—outcompeting native crayfish, damaging riverbanks, and disrupting delicate ecosystems.

The Kennet Crayfish Company was born as a response. Their mission is simple: remove invasive signal crayfish from the river by hand, process them humanely, and put them to good culinary use. Their crayfish have featured in some of the UK’s top kitchens and were even served at the Royal Wedding in 2011.

The company’s latest venture—distilling a gin that incorporates these crayfish claws—may be their boldest move yet. But boldness pays off.

Flavour Profile: A Clean, Complex Experience

Distilled with a carefully considered mix of botanicals, Kennet Crayfish Gin sits at 40% ABV and is available in 5 cl, 20 cl, and 70 cl bottles.

The ingredients list is short but strategic: crushed crayfish claws, fresh dill, lemon zest, watercress, and juniper. Each has a role to play in balancing savoury, citrus, and herbal notes.

Nose

The aroma opens with a clean, herbaceous sharpness. Dill is the most immediate note—bright and aromatic, but not overpowering. There's a subtle mineral edge that hints at its shellfish influence, without veering into briny territory.

Palate

The gin is remarkably clean on the palate. It opens with lemon zest brightness, followed by the green, peppery freshness of watercress, and a rounded mid-palate sweetness from the crayfish itself. The crayfish infusion doesn't dominate—it integrates. It brings a gentle richness, adding depth without weight.

Finish

There’s no harshness in the finish—just a long, slightly savoury fade that brings the dill and citrus back into focus. The sensation is smooth, clean, and refreshing.

Best Served How?

Kennet Crayfish Gin is versatile enough for multiple settings. We tested it in several formats:

• Classic G&T: Paired with a crisp tonic and a slice of lemon, the gin shines. The savoury elements provide contrast to the tonic's quinine bitterness.

• Negroni: Surprisingly successful. The crayfish sweetness softens Campari’s bite, creating a smoother, rounder drink with excellent structure.

• Dirty Martini: For those who like their martinis savoury, this is a winner. Adding a cornichon or olive accentuates the gin’s herbaceous and umami qualities.

It also pairs particularly well with food—think smoked fish, grilled prawns, shellfish pasta, or even herb-forward vegetarian dishes

A Gin of Place

One of the most compelling aspects of this gin is its authentic connection to place. Kennet Crayfish Gin is not just made in Berkshire—it embodies it.

The chalk-stream terroir is present in both flavour and philosophy. Every ingredient, from the dill and watercress to the crayfish themselves, reflects the landscape of the River Kennet.

It’s the spirit-world equivalent of a vineyard’s single-estate wine—a product that captures its environment in both concept and execution.

Sustainability & Ethics

Kennet Crayfish Gin is more than a premium spirit—it’s a tool for ecological restoration.

• All crayfish used are invasive signal crayfish, hand-trapped locally in the River Kennet.

• The animals are humanely dispatched, processed fresh (never frozen), and distilled on-site.

• The distillation helps support the company’s environmental work by providing a new revenue stream for an ongoing conservation mission.

This is sustainability with substance—not just recyclable packaging or low-impact logistics, but actual ecological intervention.

Market Positioning

In an increasingly crowded gin market, Kennet Crayfish Gin stands out for several reasons:

• It’s botanically innovative, without chasing gimmicks.

• It delivers true terroir, offering a flavour experience that genuinely can’t be replicated elsewhere.

• It appeals to a wide range of consumers—craft spirit enthusiasts, chefs, bartenders, and eco-conscious buyers alike.

It also has natural appeal as a gift or talking point—the kind of bottle that invites conversation and curiosity.

ALL IN ALL

Kennet Crayfish Gin is one of the most inventive—and successful—spirit launches we’ve seen this year. It’s a product that dares to be different but never loses sight of balance, drinkability, and purpose.

What could have been a novelty is, instead, a sophisticated, terroir-driven gin that reflects its landscape and supports real-world conservation.

For anyone looking to explore the future of craft gin—or simply enjoy a beautifully made spirit—Kennet Crayfish Gin comes highly recommended.

Where to Buy:
Available direct from the brand at kennetcrayfish.com
Shipping across the UK. Wholesale and hospitality enquiries welcome.

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