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The company behind Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin has been connected with distillation since the 1870’s. Founded as the House of Fontbonne, they began producing liqueurs in Dijon, France.
Gabriel Boudier bought the house in 1909 and gave it his name.
In the modern day, Gabriel Boudier still makes a Creme de Cassis as the House of Fontbonne did upon its founding; however, they line has since expanded.
Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin is said to be based on a recipe found in the archives. It’s an East (saffron) meets West (gin) interpretation.
The saffron is added via post-distillation maceration, hence the beautiful Golden hue.
Tasting Notes
Surprisingly, Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin isn’t as saffron-forward as expected given its color.
Notes of juniper, fennel, and a slight saffron musk round out the palate.
There’s also a hint of sweetness in here. Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin has a slightly enhanced viscosity, and while not at Old Tom levels of overt sweetness, it seems to have a bit of it in here.
[Tasting Notes: June, 2010]
Cocktails
Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin is best enjoyed on the rocks or in a particularly dry Martini.
The saffron notes don’t come through strong enough to really recommend it as a saffron-forward mixing gin.
I also really enjoyed Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin and tonic. As long as you’re open minded about the golden hue. Adding citrus though will overpower the delicate saffron notes. I’d suggest keeping it simple, with a clean tonic water such as Pennyback or Fever Tree Lite.
Overall
Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin opts for visual impact over tastebud impact. The saffron is subtle enough that this gin won’t automatically turn off fans of classic styles; however, for a gin that markets itself as a “flavored gin” you might be forgiven for expecting a bit more saffron.
We bought this Gin on a lark at our local liquor store, but really didn’t know what to do with it! I’ve ready many negative reviews of this Gin, especially when used for a Gin and Tonic. The issue is, that the use of Saffron, rather than Juniper, makes this unlike any other Gin I’ve every had. The base spirit is very good, like an excellent Vodka, the saffron is very light and easily overpowered by both tonic and lime.
My favorite use of this Gin is a 3-to-1 ratio of good quality soda to Gabriel Boudier’s Saffron Gin, generally in a highball glass over ice. Very refreshing with a light saffron note.
Saffron Infused gin:
Thought you might expand you gin drinking horizons and move into the 21st Century.
The Gabriel Boudier Saffron Infused Gin (US Labeling), in my opinion appeals to the modern cocktail drinker and allows mixologists a chance to create wonderful gin inspired cocktail that go beyond the classics.
A local California mixologist introduced us to a wonderful martini made with the saffron gin called a Saffron Peach Martini- GB Saffron gin, fresh lemon, DaVinci Peach Syrup, Agave Nectar, shaken and garnished with fresh or frozen peach slice– wonderfully refreshing martini. also on line searches produced some other very tasty drink recipes for a very flavorful but different gin
I started drinking GB’s Saffron Gin about 2 years ago and absolutely love the stuff. Big glass, chunk of lime, lots of rocks up to the top, 100ml gin, 200ml tea tree tonic, twirl with a stirrer and slurp.
I am with the GB Saffron gin lovers here. It doesn’t work in a dry martini but makes a fantastic g & t . A good tonic will balance the sweetnes and bring out the herbs. To enjoy more of the saffron I just pour it over ice.
Mmmmm…
The Saffron Gin & Tonic works best for me with a slice of orange in preference to lime or lemon. Also very good in a Negroni with an orange twist again.
I too am a Saffron fan, my ‘treat’ gin, agree better without lemon or lime, will try the orange though.
I love this Saffron Gin mixed with a ginger beer and some ice….absolutely perfect!
I have been into Saffron Gin for a few years . I like it with an orange slice and something like fever tree tonic
Made a French 75 with it, agave instead of simple. Delish.