Cadenhead’s Old Raj Dry Gin – Blue Label – 55% – 70cl – Scotland

Cadenhead’s Old Raj Dry Gin 55% is the powerful Blue Label expression of one of Scotland’s most distinctive traditional gins, bottled by historic independent bottler Wm. Cadenhead in Campbeltown. Old Raj has been produced since 1972, with Cadenhead stating that the recipe has remained unchanged. Its defining characteristic is the addition of saffron after distillation, contributing both aromatic complexity and the gin’s recognizable pale golden-yellow appearance. At 55% ABV, this is the higher-strength version of Old Raj, delivering considerably greater concentration than the 46% expression. Its botanical profile combines juniper, coriander, bitter orange peel, angelica, liquorice, cinnamon, cassia, nutmeg and saffron, producing a powerful but balanced gin with spicy, floral and citrus characteristics. The 55% Blue Label has developed something of a following among gin enthusiasts and bartenders, particularly for Martinis and other spirit-forward cocktails where its higher proof allows the botanical character to remain pronounced after dilution.