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James May has made a major career announcement (Image: GETTY)
James May had fans on tenterhooks last week when he announced the debut of a brand new flavour of his gin line - but kept the flavour a "mystery".
Now, he's unveiled a new addition to his beverage line with California Dreamgin, a mushroom and patchouli variety and the first of his creations to be certified vegan. In contrast to other flavours he's produced, such as London Drizzle, inspired by the smell of rainy pavements, this new number is influenced by Californian sunshine and the state's reputation for "peace and love."
James explained his decision: "This gin is a bit of thank you - it celebrates California’s role in the establishment of the hippie movement while allowing us to create a very clever joke out of nothing more than an apostrophe.”
He continued: "California Dreamgin’ is a compassionate, plant-based product certified by the Vegan Society and is based on mushrooms, since mushrooms are a vital source of protein for those who have recognised that meat is murder.
"However, it should not be used as a dietary supplement or part of a balanced programme of food intake. It’s more of a gin, man.”
James May has launched a brand new gin flavour (Image: X James May)
His drinks have already been a hit with customers from over 40 countries, and the brand's social media channels have a phenomenal seven million followers.
The gin has already won an award despite just being introduced to the public.
James teamed up with Downton Distillery's Hugh Anderson, who has praised how far the flavour has come.
Hugh revealed: "This is a true umami gin using girolle mushrooms to provide a light fruity and peppery note with a hint of apricot, paired with the delicate earthy woody notes of patchouli which lingers at the back of the mouth.
James May on his now axed Amazon Prime series (Image: GETTY)
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"Oregano enhances these savoury, herbaceous notes whilst balancing out the citrusy notes from the coriander and lemon peel.”
He's recommended that fans should serve it with "premium soda water" and ice, while garnishing with a zesty slice of lemon.
Meanwhile, James took a playful swipe at Americans after admitting his ambition is to sell the gin variety to those living in the "land of the free".
He quipped: “Going to LA can be expensive if you’re not there already. So if all the leaves are brown and the sky is grey (or gray if you can’t spell) then this gin is a practical alternative.”
The good news comes after James sadly revealed that his Amazon Prime travel series, Our Man In... has been axed.
"Well, they just didn't want it anymore, miserable b*****ds," he exclaimed.
He visited Japan, Italy and India across three series, but it's now over, as is The Grand Tour.
Thankfully, James' gin line, his country pub in Wiltshire, The Royal Oak, and his other Amazon Prime TV show, Oh Cook!, are set to continue, meaning that food and beverages, rather than travel, is his current focus.
English (US) ·