315 Upstairs Heidelberg Dry Gin (50cl, 43%)

A dry gin from Upstairs Gin, made with hand-picked blueberries from Oberkirch in the Black Forest and sun-ripened bergamot. The botanicals are macerated for 72 hours in a clay vessel, and no artificial aromas are used. The brand was created by Christopher Wloka, whose background includes work in starred kitchens, hotel bars and the Heidelberg hotel school. The name comes from the 315 steps from Heidelberg's old town up to the castle. In the aroma, bergamot comes through more clearly than the light blueberry note, while juniper remains recognisable, with kaffir lime, coriander and rose adding further nuances. Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water is recommended for a gin and tonic, with blueberries, lemongrass and lime zest as garnish.