Hendrick's gin in Westford, MA: bottles and how to serve

Hendrick's is a Scottish gin infused with cucumber and rose, and CBC Liquors in Westford carries it. You can browse the full Hendrick's range online, then pick up at 142 Littleton Rd or choose delivery. Below: what sets it apart, which bottles we carry, and how to serve it.

What is Hendrick's gin?

Hendrick's is a gin made in Scotland by William Grant & Sons. Like every gin, it starts as a neutral spirit flavored with juniper, and juniper is what makes it gin. What Hendrick's does differently is add cucumber and rose petal to the botanical mix after distillation, which gives it a softer, fresher character than a gin built only on juniper and citrus.

The spirit itself comes from two kinds of still, a Bennett still and a Carter-Head still, and the distillers blend the two. The Carter-Head still is a rarity. It carries the botanicals as vapor rather than boiling them in the spirit, which tends to produce a lighter, more delicate spirit. The Bennett still gives a heavier base. Blending the two is part of why the gin reads as balanced rather than sharp.

The bottle is as recognizable as the taste: a dark, apothecary-style bottle with a cork-style stopper and a narrow neck. If you have seen it on a back bar, you already know it.

How does Hendrick's taste compared with other gins?

Most people notice the cucumber first. It is cool and clean, with a faint vegetal note rather than a sweet one. The rose sits behind it, floral but quiet. Juniper is still there, but it plays a supporting part instead of leading.

That makes Hendrick's a good choice if you find traditional London dry gins too piney or too bracing. It is also a good starting gin if you are new to the style and want something approachable. If you want a gin that tastes strongly of juniper, you may prefer a classic London dry, and you can compare them on our gin shelf.

Taste is personal. If you are choosing between two bottles, ask us in the store on Littleton Rd and we can talk through the difference.

Which Hendrick's bottles does CBC Liquors carry?

We carry several expressions from the maker. The core bottle is HENDRICKS Gin, the cucumber and rose gin described above, and the one to start with if you have not tried it.

Beyond that, the maker also releases gins that take the original in other directions. HENDRICKS Grand Cabaret Gin, HENDRICKS Orbium Gin and HENDRICKS Another Gin are all on our site. Orbium is built around quinine, wormwood and blue lotus blossom, which gives it a more bitter, herbal edge than the original and makes it a natural fit for a gin and tonic or a spritz-style drink.

The product pages show what is currently available. Because stock moves, the site is the quickest way to check before you make the trip.

How do you make a good Hendrick's and tonic?

The classic serve is simple. Fill a tall glass with plenty of good ice, pour in the gin, and top with tonic. Use a ratio you enjoy, then stir once, gently, to keep the fizz.

Garnish is where Hendrick's differs from other gins. Instead of a lime wedge, use a thin slice or ribbon of cucumber. It echoes what is already in the gin and keeps the drink cool and clean. A strip of lime peel is not wrong, but cucumber is the serve the gin was designed around.

For the tonic, choose one that is not too sweet, so it does not hide the cucumber and rose. You can find tonic and other options in our mixers section, so you can pick up the gin and the mixer in one stop.

What cocktails work with Hendrick's besides a gin and tonic?

A martini is an obvious one. Stirred with dry vermouth and garnished with a cucumber slice or a lemon twist, the gin's softness comes through clearly. Because Hendrick's is gentle on the juniper, it suits people who find a classic martini too severe.

A Collins style drink also works: gin, lemon juice, a little sugar syrup and soda water over ice. The lemon brightens the cucumber, and the soda keeps it light. A gimlet, made with gin and lime, is another straightforward option.

If you like a more floral drink, add a splash of elderflower liqueur to a gin and soda. Browse the liqueur shelf if you want to try that. Keep drinks measured and enjoy them slowly; a good gin deserves attention rather than speed.

How should you serve and store Hendrick's gin?

Gin does not need a cellar. Store the bottle upright, out of direct sunlight and away from heat, and it will keep its flavor for a long time once opened, as long as the cap is closed tightly.

You do not need to chill the bottle, though some people keep gin in the freezer for martinis. Gin has a high alcohol content, so it will not freeze solid at home freezer temperatures, but chilling dulls aroma slightly. For a gin and tonic, ice in the glass is enough.

Cucumber slices are best cut fresh. If you are hosting, prepare them shortly before serving so they stay crisp.

Can you pick up or get Hendrick's delivered in Westford?

Yes to both. CBC Liquors offers pickup and delivery. Our store at 142 Littleton Rd, Westford, MA 01886 is open Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Pickup runs on the same hours.

Delivery hours are slightly shorter: Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Our delivery areas page lists the towns we serve, including Chelmsford, Acton, Littleton and Lowell.

You must be 21 or over to buy, and ID may be checked on pickup and delivery.

What else should you pick up with your gin?

If you are planning drinks for friends, think about what goes alongside. Tonic, soda and fresh citrus cover most gin serves. You can also browse our wider liquor range if you want a second spirit for the evening.

If you are hosting a larger gathering, our party planner page can help you think through quantities and what to buy. Our Google rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 339 reviews, and you are welcome to ask the team in the store for help choosing between bottles.