James May of ‘Top Gear’ Drops a Mushroom Gin Inspired by California’s Hippy Culture

James May from “Top Gear” is dropping a mushroom gin inspired by California counterculture. (Photo: James Gin)

James May of “Top Gear” fame announced that the latest expression of James Gin was dropping with sunny California in mind on Wednesday. Dubbed “California Dreamgin’,” the vegan gin was distilled with patchouli and mushrooms. We know what you’re thinking, and no — they’re not the magic kind.

“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 recognized that meat is murder,” May said in a statement. “However, it should not be used as a dietary supplement or part of a balanced program of food intake. It’s more of a gin, man.”

The gin possesses an ABV of 40% and costs $52.99 for a 700 ml bottle.

“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,” said Distiller at Downtown Distillery Hugh Anderson. “Oregano enhances these savory, herbaceous notes whilst balancing out the citrusy notes from the coriander and lemon peel.”

The timing of the rollout couldn’t be more perfect, as in the United Kingdom, James Gin shares that “all the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey.” If taking a trip to sunny California — or the city of stars, Los Angeles, isn’t in the cards, May recommends this alternative.

May expressed in a news release that the gin was inspired by his trips to California, where he drove around in fast cars “mostly at other people’s expense.” The “Top Gear” host decided to work with Anderson from Downtown Distillery. The trippy gin joins a portfolio of gins that include Asian Parsnip, American Mustard and London Drizzle, a gin inspired by petrichor, or the smell of rain on the London concrete.

A video chronicling May and Anderson’s process of crafting the gin can be viewed below.