{"id":412,"date":"2025-04-05T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-05T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/?p=412"},"modified":"2025-04-13T08:02:29","modified_gmt":"2025-04-13T08:02:29","slug":"i-laughed-at-the-idea-of-snoop-dogg-making-gin-until-i-tried-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/05\/i-laughed-at-the-idea-of-snoop-dogg-making-gin-until-i-tried-it\/","title":{"rendered":"I laughed at the idea of Snoop Dogg making gin \u2014 until I tried it"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t\t\"Rob\t<\/div>
I put the new drinks to the test (Picture: Rob Buckhaven\/Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SHOPPING \u2013 Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here<\/a> for more information.<\/em><\/p>\n

The idea of Snoop Dogg<\/a> sniffing botanicals with Dr. Dre<\/a> in a gin<\/a> distillery has just made my day.<\/p>\n

I don’t know why, but I have visions of them wearing lab coats and safety goggles, and possibly a hair net in the case of Snoop. <\/p>\n

Even better is the idea of the two of them analysing glass bottles in a warehouse somewhere. They would have had to remove their shades to get a better look, and I\u2019m here for it.<\/p>\n

Because, if you haven\u2019t heard, the two rappers have just launched a gin together, called Still G.I.N by Dre and Snoop. The advert for their gin is AI-generated, and brings them together with deceased legends, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. The whole thing is meant to be showcasing the classic style with the modern, presumably like their gin. You can check the ad out on Youtube.<\/p>\n

Refreshingly, for a celebrity drink brand,<\/a> Snoop and Dre were apparently massively hands-on with the entire process. They\u2019re not just stamping their name on it, but giving their input on everything from the bottle design through to sniffing botanicals to achieve the perfect blend of flavours. Again, I find the thought of Snoop and Dre handing over their tasting notes to the Master Distiller hilarious, and I won’t apologise for it. Good on them though.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"Dr.\t<\/div>
Dr. Dre and Snoop have a new gin range (Picture: Ethan Miller\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dre compares gin-creation to what they did with Beats headphones, saying: ‘Everything is us from the ground up: the gin, the flavour, the packaging\u2026Everything had to be perfect.’ While Snoop had this to say about the collaboration: ‘We\u2019re better together \u2013 it\u2019s always magical. It\u2019s incredible to know that you\u2019ve got something amazing that you feel is gonna really work. From the look to the taste, it\u2019s all there.’<\/p>\n

They were inspired to co-create a gin when they found themselves in the studio together making ‘the dopest music’, while drinking gin on the job and having fun. I mean, why not? There’s no judgment here. Whatever gets the creative juices flowing, I say.<\/p>\n

The gin itself only launched on March 27, so it\u2019s still a baby, and we\u2019re kind of getting the scoop here. Reading the accompanying bumf, this luxury gin hasn\u2019t been chill filtered, which means it retails the heavier aromatic oils for a more complex sipping experience. The distillers use a copper pot still, which distributes heat evenly for a more controlled and slower distillation, making the gin smoother. Each batch is then hand vacuum distilled, giving the master distiller ultimate control over ever last nuance.<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Still G.I.N by Dre and Snoop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Apparently, this isn\u2019t Snoop and Dre\u2019s first foray into the alcohol space together either. It\u2019s the second alcohol-based collaboration they\u2019ve done together, which is news to me. <\/p>\n

The first is a range of premium, sparkling gin-based cocktails called Juice By Dre and Snoop. The name plays homage to Snoop\u2019s smash hit, Grammy-nominated song on his album \u2018Doggystyle\u2019, called \u2018Gin and Juice\u2019 and produced by, you guessed it, Dr Dre.<\/p>\n

And, who could forget Snoop\u2019s range of wines? Snoop Cali Red and Ros\u00e9, in collaboration with 19 Crimes, designed to represent the laid-back California lifestyle. We’ll get into that shortly…<\/p>\n

In fact, let\u2019s jump right in, here\u2019s what I make of their drinks empire.<\/p>\n

Still G.I.N By Dre and Snoop, \u00a338, uk.dreandsnoop.com<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Still\t<\/div>
Still G.I.N By Dre and Snoop, \u00a338<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It has to be said, this is a delightful gin. They\u2019ve nailed everything from the packaging through to the aroma and the flavour profile. Sure, the bottle reminds me of Sex Panther Cologne from the film, Anchorman, but it also oozes luxury. In terms of the liquid, there\u2019s a thwack of citrus on the nose, with lightly floral notes not unlike a summer meadow. Flavour-wise, we\u2019re talking a beautiful profile of Meyer lemon, lemon thyme, tangerine, nectarine and a light dusting of baking spices. Perhaps some additional base notes could have give it more dimension, but I’m being picky. This gin would do its best work in a Martini, possibly without even needing to trouble a bottle of vermouth. I still think neat, over a gigantic rock of ice, would be my preference.<\/p>\n

Verdict: 9\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop Melon, \u00a32.50, <\/strong>Ocado<\/strong>.com<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Gin\t<\/div>
Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop Melon, \u00a32.50, Ocado<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019ll be transparent, I\u2019d intended to loathe this product. Not just this particular flavour, but the entire Gin & Juice range. I know, I should be impartial, but aesthetically it looks like it will 100% be sugary and artificial-tasting. I was pleasantly surprised, the flavour of melon in this can are subtle, authentic-ish and refreshing. It\u2019s made from gin, sparkling water and fruit juice, and would go down well with anyone who likes a hard seltzer. Disclaimer; fans of intense flavours in their cocktails will be disappointed. <\/p>\n

Verdict: 6.5\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop Passionfruit, \u00a32.50, <\/strong>Ocado<\/strong>.com<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Gin\t<\/div>
Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop Passionfruit, \u00a32.50, Ocado<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I often find passionfruit difficult to get right in a ready-to-drink, canned format. For some reason, it tends to taste artificial, overly sulfurous or nothing like the actual fruit. Although this is a pleasant drop, and as subtly refreshing as the melon version, it doesn\u2019t actually taste of passionfruit. More grape, if you ask me, though still appealing when fridge-chilled. Again, the barely-there fruit flavours won\u2019t appeal to everyone.<\/p>\n

Verdict: 5\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cali by Snoop Ros\u00e9, \u00a310, <\/strong>Ocado<\/strong>.com<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Cali\t<\/div>
Cali by Snoop Ros\u00e9, \u00a310, Ocado<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Like an alcoholic boiled sweet, I just can\u2019t get behind this wine. Designed in partnership with Treasury Wine Estates, bizarrely, I can see what they\u2019re trying to achieve. It does give flavours of strawberries and raspberries, but in a candied, Haribo-esque style. Lovers of white zinfandel styles will go for this, Provence ros\u00e9 lovers will not. <\/p>\n

Verdict: 3\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cali by Snoop Red, \u00a39.47 (save \u00a32.50), <\/strong>Asda<\/strong>.com<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
\n
\n\t\t\"Cali\t<\/div>
Cali by Snoop Red, \u00a39.47 (save \u00a32.50), Asda<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Featuring a medley of particularly expressive grapes, including Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Merlot, this fruit bomb of a red is giving alcoholic mixed berry Bonne Maman jam in a bottle. It\u2019s underpinned by a layer of toasty oak, which juts out awkwardly within the blend. However, looking at the general consumer reviews, people seem to like its easy-going style and smooth texture. I suppose one man\u2019s poison is another man\u2019s treasure. <\/p>\n

Verdict: 4.5\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

In conclusion, I thought the gin was a triumph, whereas the cocktails could have done with more intensity of flavour. Let’s not talk about Snoop’s wines again though, shall we?<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tLooking for more expert drinks content?\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n

If you count yourself a purveyor of the finer things in life, Metro\u2019s Drinks Column is where you need to be.<\/p>\n

Immerse yourself in the world of good drink, fronted by industry expert Rob Buckhaven \u2013 a place for readers to whet their whistle with the latest and greatest in the world of drinks. From unpacking the best supermarket wines<\/a> from Aldi, Tesco and Lidl, to introducing audiences to the wallet-friendly Cremant out-bubbling the fanciest of French Champagnes<\/a> (or the best wines to drink after sex<\/a>), and finding out what it\u2019s like to go on a bar crawl with Jason Momoa,<\/a> this is a haven for those who love to celebrate.<\/p>\n

Stay ahead of the curve<\/a> as Rob plucks from the vines the wines of the season and the spirits you need to know about; speaking with experts and mixologists while unpacking the latest concoctions, finding the best non-alcoholic options<\/a> for those looking to moderate, discovering the best food pairings for your drops, and going up against the latest TikTok chatter to demystify the liquid landscape.<\/p>\n

Can you really make cheap vodka taste expensive by putting it through a Brita filter?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

What happens when you put wine in a blender?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

And, truly, how <\/a><\/em>should<\/em><\/a><\/strong>\u200b we be storing our wine?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Read More.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I put the new drinks to the test (Picture: Rob Buckhaven\/Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop) SHOPPING \u2013 Contains affiliated content. Products featured in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":414,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-412","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/412","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=412"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/412\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":423,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/412\/revisions\/423"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/414"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=412"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=412"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.merlinscove.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=412"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}