In this edition of Gins To Try Before You Die, Savour travels near and far to find the gins you must add to your drinks cabinet.
1. From way up north in Caithness in Scotland, Rock Rose Gin is made in a traditional copper pot still (which is fondly called Elizabeth) and features a selection of local and traditional botanicals that give the gin a delicate mix of rose, fruity berries and crisp citrus elements. Try it over ice with a sprig of rosemary. £34, 70cl, www.dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk
2. Sloe and steady win the race, and that’s definitely the case with Whittaker’s Gin Clearly Sloe. It contains sloe berries that have been soaked in Original Whittaker’s Gin for six months. This Harrogate-based gin is not as rich as usual sloe gins and has sweet notes from juniper. Serve it over tonic with a garnish of blueberries or crushed cranberries. £32.60, 70cl, www.whittakersgin.com
3. We’re glad we tracked down this Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin. It’s the first Japanese gin made in the country’s first dedicated artisanal gin distillery, The Kyoto Distillery. It is created with Japanese botanicals such as hinoki wood chips, bamboo, gyokuro tea and green sanshõ berries for a warm, aromatic taste with a recognisable dry style. About £50, 70cl, www.kyotodistillery.jp
4. Made on the island of Hven in Öresund (between Denmark and Sweden), Spirit of Hven Organic Gin is produced from fresh botanicals which are infused for 24 hours. The bottle is hand-waxed to give its unusual look and the gin has clear citrus notes with a delicate touch of vanilla and spice. £33.25, 50cl, www.hven.com
5. Hendrick’s Gin is very, very popular and for good reason. Its botanical list includes cucumber and rose petals which give a refreshing and cool finish. Do it properly and serve it over ice with a mix of tonic and a garnish of cucumber slices. £28, 70cl, www.uk.hendricksgin.com
6. The latest edition to The Lake Distillery’s collection, Explorer Gin has zesty notes of orange and citrus, as well as hints of Earl Grey tea, coriander and cracked black pepper to give a complex and vibrant taste that will warm your palate. £39.95, 70cl, www.lakesdistillery.com
7. If you’re still holding on to the last of the summer sun, you’ll love this Seaside Gin by Edinburgh Gin. It’s a unique London dry- style gin with sweet minerality, grassy notes and a hint of spice. £35, 70cl, www.edinburghgin.com
8. Inspired by the flavours of Africa but crafted much closer to home in Birmingham, Whitley Neill Gin is a London dry gin. Its African botanicals include extracts from the Baobab tree (known as the Tree of Life) and Physalis (capegooseberry). It’s perfect for cocktail making. £26, 70cl, www.whitleyneill.com
9. Recently named Best in Show at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 (aka the Oscars of the spirits world), Tarquin’s Cornish Navy SeaDog Gin is a must. It combines rich citrus notes and a satisfying peppery spice to create a memorable taste. £40, 70cl, www.southwesterndistillery.com
10. Ableforth’s Bathtub Gin may be a mouthful to say but it is exceptionally easy to drink, thanks to notes of cardamom, orange blossom, cinnamon and a punch of juniper. Each bottle is wrapped by hand using paper, twine and wax for an olde worlde appearance. £33.95, 70cl, www.ableforths.com
