Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin (1L, 47%)

A dry gin made with 47 botanicals at Black Forest Distillers on the Schaberhof estate in Loßburg, Germany, bottled at 47% ABV in a one-litre bottle. The molasses-based spirit is both macerated and distilled conventionally and percolated through fresh botanicals in a Carter-Head still. It then rests for three months in earthenware before being reduced with Black Forest spring water. Juniper leads the nose, with lemon and orange peel, sage, thyme, lavender, pine and black pepper. The palate is herbaceous and minty, then resinous, with spruce and rosemary, pepper and tart citrus, no single botanical dominating. The finish is long and slightly oily, with peppermint, lemon balm and ripe blackberry, and a trace of cracked pepper.