James Gin California Dreamgin

Introduction I’m not typically someone who seeks out celebrity-produced spirits, but I’ll always make an exception for the original Top Gear / Grand Tour trio — James May, Richard Hammond, and Jeremy Clarkson. James Gin Asian Parsnip ended up being a phenomenal gin — which is saying something coming from someone who almost always prefers whiskey and bourbon over gin. So when he announced California Dreamgin, the concept immediately caught my attention. As a California resident myself, the theme alone made me curious to see how he approached it. The label also notes that it’s vegan certified — I’m not sure how much that changes the drinking experience — but I did watch several behind-the-scenes videos on how this particular gin was developed. So I’m going into this one genuinely excited to see how it compares to Asian Parsnip and whether it brings something unique to the lineup. Nose The nose on this gin is quite delicate. There’s noticeably less juniper than you’d find in a typical gin; instead, it opens with a more earthy, woodsy character. I’m getting something that leans toward patchouli—musky, grounded, and almost forest-floor in nature. There’s a clear umami presence as well, likely from the mushroom botanicals, which gives the nose a subtle savory depth. The juniper is still there, but it plays a supporting role, adding just enough of that familiar woody, spicy lift without dominating. Brightening the profile is a light citrus note: lemon, which adds a gentle freshness to an otherwise earthy, mellow nose. Taste The palate opens with a bright hit of lemon peel and a gentle black peppercorn tongue tingle, giving the gin a lively, citrus-forward entry. Beneath that, a thread of juniper runs quietly through the front of the taste—present, but never dominant. As the flavor settles into the mid-palate, the earlier umami note blooms into something reminiscent of soft, stewed mushrooms: earthy, savory, and carrying a faint natural bitterness that adds depth without overwhelming the profile. Toward the back of the taste, a lightly nutty, toasted spice emerges—very much like coriander seed—bringing a warm, slightly citrusy character alongside a touch of tannic dryness. Altogether, the palate moves from citrus and pepper to earthy umami and toasted spice in a way that feels cohesive and unexpectedly layered. Finish The finish leans decidedly dry, with that toasted coriander from the back of the palate carrying straight through to the end. The citrus lingers as well, though the lemon shifts into a slightly bitter lemon-pith character rather than the brighter peel from the front of the taste. There’s a light tongue-tingling peppercorn note hanging on from earlier, but the finish itself isn’t overly complex. What stands out is its length—it lasts longer than expected for a gin—and it rides comfortably on the gin’s unexpectedly medium, slightly rounded mouthfeel, which is fuller than most gins typically offer. Conclusion James Gin’s California Dreamgin feels like an interesting experiment in pushing gin into territory it doesn’t usually occupy. The inclusion of mushrooms in the botanical mix adds a unique depth and umami character, though for my palate, it doesn’t quite reach the level of complexity found in Asian Parsnip. This expression is noticeably more mellow, with no dominant or aggressive flavors, making it very approachable as a sipping gin. I’m not convinced it would hold its own in more complex mixed drinks, as its subtler profile might get overshadowed. However, it could work nicely in a gin and tonic—not with lime, which would likely be too sharp. Pairing it with tonic and an orange slice might bring out the softer citrus and toasted spice notes more effectively. Overall, it’s a thoughtful and enjoyable gin, especially if you’re looking for something that steps outside the classic juniper-heavy profile. And at its typical retail price, James Gin continues to offer creative, well-made spirits that feel worth the money.