GIN 1689 IS BOTTLING DUTCH HISTORY
At our Issue 14 launch party, among the evening’s drink options, three colourful bottles may have caught your eye: naturally, we’re talking about Gin 1689.
Inspired by the legacy of William of Orange, who travelled from the Netherlands to London in 1689 and helped bring gin into British culture, the brand builds its identity around history, craft, and a very Dutch kind of charm.
The world of Gin 1689 is built around three expressions, each carrying a different mood. The original Dutch Dry Gin is the foundation: a juniper-forward spirit with classic jenever-style notes, bringing together botanicals such as red quince, apple, lemon and orange peel, nutmeg, aniseed and clove. It feels traditional, aromatic, and incredibly smooth.
Then there’s the Queen Mary Pink Gin, the brand’s more playful expression. Built on the same Dutch-meets-English spirit, it adds natural strawberry and tart raspberry flavours, creating a slightly jammy taste with hints of spice and a dry, smooth juniper finish. It is softer, flirtier, and made for the person who wants their gin with a little more sweetness, without losing the botanical backbone.
Now, the brand turns fully toward orange with its newest release: 1689 Dutch Orange Gin. Launched in 2026, the expression feels like the most direct tribute to the brand’s own story. It takes the William of Orange story and makes it literal, bright, and drinkable. With its vivid orange colour, refined citrus aromas, and fresh fruity character, Dutch Orange brings a 17th-century inspiration into a very modern glass.
What makes it work is that it does not feel like a gimmick, but it still keeps the structure of a proper gin while adding a sunnier personality. Classic juniper sits alongside fresh orange and soft citrus notes, creating something balanced, perfect for a golden-hour-terrace drink.
It is also already making noise. Gin 1689’s Dutch Orange received a Silver award at the 2026 London Spirits Competition, joining the brand’s growing list of awards across its Dutch Dry and Pink expressions. In a crowded gin world, Gin 1689’s very recognisable point of view makes it stand out.
