James Gin California Dreamgin' is a savory, earthy gin created by British television presenter James May, made with mushrooms, oregano and patchouli and bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) in a 700ml bottle.
James May, best known as one of the presenters of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, makes his own range of gins, each labelled with its JG number; this is JG.05. California Dreamgin' celebrates California's role in the hippie movement, and May calls the name a very clever joke made out of nothing more than an apostrophe. It is a plant-based gin certified by the Vegan Society.
The recipe takes a classic botanical base and adds earthy mushrooms, aromatic oregano and patchouli, giving savory, herbaceous and lightly fruity layers. The result is bold, creative and completely different from a traditional London dry gin.
With its tongue-in-cheek name and bright orange label, it is a great gift for Top Gear fans and for gin drinkers who want something new.
Gin is defined by juniper, but modern craft gins often add unusual botanicals to create savory or culinary styles.
Savory gins, built on herbs and earthy notes rather than citrus and florals, shine in a dry Martini or a Gibson with a cocktail onion.
Mushrooms bring an umami depth that is rare in spirits, while oregano adds a Mediterranean herbal lift.
Patchouli, the scent long tied to the 1960s counterculture, gives the gin its playful hippie theme and a soft, earthy perfume.
Each James Gin carries a JG number on the label, so collectors can tell the expressions apart at a glance.
Specifications
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Brand: James Gin (James May)
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Style: Savory gin
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Botanicals: Includes mushroom, oregano and patchouli
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Certification: Vegan Society
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Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
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Region: United Kingdom
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Size: 700ml
How to Enjoy It
Try it in a dry Martini with an olive, a Gibson, or a gin and tonic with rosemary. It pairs with mushroom dishes, pizza or herbed cheeses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes it?
James May's James Gin.
What does it taste like?
Savory and earthy, with mushroom, oregano and patchouli.
Is it vegan?
Yes, certified by the Vegan Society.
Explore more in our Gin collection.
