Christian Drouin Le Gin Carmina (70cl, 42%)

Christian Drouin Le Gin Carmina combines Norman cider apples and juniper with red berries and flowers. Raspberry and blackcurrant shape the aromatic profile, while elderflower, vanilla, orange and lemon complete the recipe. Guillaume Drouin developed it as a fruit-forward variant of the original Le Gin. Each botanical is macerated and distilled separately, then the distillates are blended. Distillation takes place in small copper stills. The limited bottling comprises 8,550 bottles at 42% in a 0.7-litre bottle, delivered without gift packaging. The dark green bottle carries a red seal and carmine design elements reflecting the berry character; Carmina comes from the Latin for poems. The nose is expressive, combining fruity, floral and spicy impressions. The palate continues the interplay of fruit, flowers and spice with pronounced freshness. The lasting finish leaves spicy and peppery notes.