James Gin California Dream (JG.05)
James Gin California Dream (JG.05)
California Dream Gin is James May’s fifth glorious foray into gin-making, crafted as a loving (and mildly satirical) tribute to the spirit of 1970s California—the land of hippies, herbal teas, anti-establishment ideals, and questionable fashion choices.
Distilled with girolle mushrooms, oregano, and actual patchouli, this gin is as earthy and ethereal as a barefoot jam session in Golden Gate Park. The mushrooms lend a fruity, peppery character with subtle apricot sweetness, while patchouli adds a haunting woody aroma that lingers like a memory of incense in a Volkswagen camper van. Oregano provides a culinary counterpoint, deepening the herbal body and tying the coriander, lemon peel, and juniper together with a spicy twist.
Tasting Notes
Shipping
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Manufacturing
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Why Gifted Pour recommends it
For the friend who has tried every classic gin and wants a conversation piece, this is a playful, genuinely well-made gift. James May's fifth gin is a mildly satirical tribute to 1970s California, distilled with girolle mushrooms, oregano and actual patchouli alongside juniper, coriander and lemon peel. The result is beautifully weird yet balanced: fresh oregano and citrus on the nose, forest-floor mushroom and soft incense underneath, and a gentle dried-apricot sweetness. On the palate, girolles bring peppery warmth and stone fruit while the juniper backbone keeps it anchored through a medium-long, herbal, slightly woody finish. It suits a birthday for a James May fan, a housewarming for someone with a well-loved record collection, or a thank-you for the adventurous home bartender. They can build a Hippie G&T, stir a Patchouli Martini or shake an Apricot Acid Trip. The tongue-in-cheek theme makes it feel personal, and the liquid backs it up.
Pairs well with
- Garlic-sauteed wild mushrooms — The gin's girolle mushroom and forest-floor notes echo the earthy, savory side of the dish.
- Apricot and soft cheese board — Dried apricot sweetness and peppery warmth in the gin play neatly against creamy cheese and stone fruit.
- Retro-themed housewarming party — Its playful 1970s California theme and herbal, patchouli-scented profile make it a fun, memorable bottle to open with new neighbors.
Questions about this bottle
What does California Dream Gin taste like?
It opens with fresh oregano and citrus, then forest-floor mushroom, soft patchouli and dried-apricot sweetness. The palate brings peppery warmth, stone fruit, coriander spice and lemon peel over a classic juniper backbone, finishing medium-long with herbal warmth, pepper and a slightly woody, floral edge.
What botanicals are used in this gin?
It is distilled with girolle mushrooms, oregano and patchouli, alongside coriander, lemon peel and juniper. The mushrooms add fruity, peppery character with apricot notes, patchouli brings a woody aroma, and oregano deepens the herbal body.
How should I serve it?
Try a Hippie G&T: 50ml over ice topped with Indian or light herbal tonic, garnished with dried apricot or fresh oregano. For something stronger, stir 50ml with 10ml dry vermouth for a Patchouli Martini, or shake it with apricot liqueur and lemon juice for an Apricot Acid Trip.
Who makes it, and what size is the bottle?
It comes from James Gin and is James May's fifth gin, a tribute to the spirit of 1970s California. It is a contemporary gin from England, presented in a 700ml bottle.
