Quaffed the Raven

More than 234 years ago, Jacob Schweppe launched the world’s first carbonated soft drink and Schweppes is probably the most well known tonic brand in the UK. Up until a few years ago were the standard in pubs and bars, and if you ordered a G&T, this was almost certainly the brand of tonic you were going to get.

However, with the gin boom came the tonic boom and Schweppes obviously felt the need to re-invent themselves or risk being left behind. So in November 2018 they launched their premium mixer brand: 1783.

Schweppes 1783 (Signature Collection) Light Tonic Water is available in 200ml bottles, and 150ml cans.

Tasting Notes

When first pouring there’s an explosion of tiny bubbles that join to form larger ones. Once the fizz settles the glass remains full of bubbles clinging to the side and bottom, not tiny, but not big.

The aroma is surprisingly strong, with a good level of quinine rising up along with a big grapefruit note. It’s really nice, but from the nose I think there’s a concern it could overpower more delicate spirits.

To taste, it’s crisp and clear with a definite grapefruit flavour for me. It’s got a nice watery texture, not at all sugary or syrupy, and the flavour isn’t nearly as strong as the aroma suggests. The effervescence tingles the tongue but is relatively short lived, leaving a nice bitter citrus.

With gin (2:1 Beefeater with a slice of lemon), there’s a slightly disappointing level of bitterness and the grapefruit flavour comes through a little too strong for my liking. Somehow it puts me in mind of drinking a G&T in a busy real ale pub that has four token bottles of spirits on the back bar in case Nigel brings his Nan along. It’s not great.

Overall

Well, this has certainly made me realise how important it is that I review these tonics with the same gin, as this did not turn out as I expected! On its own and providing you like grapefruit, it’s a good tonic, but it did not work well with in the G&T. It may well be better with a different gin, but I’d prefer to match my tonic with my gin, not the other way around!

Add up to one feather if you love grapefruit

Schweppes 1783 Light Tonic Water is available in shops and online

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All reviews are of the author’s personal collection, bought and paid for by the author, unless otherwise stated.