Scapegrace Black Gin (75cl, 41.6%)

A 41.6% ABV New Zealand gin, widely recognised as the world's first naturally black gin. It achieves its near-black hue entirely through natural botanical infusion, with no artificial colouring. Scapegrace Distillery uses 19th-century copper pot stills originally designed for whisky production. Black Gin draws its colour from a proprietary process in which 12 botanicals, including aronia berry, butterfly pea flower, saffron, pineapple and sweet potato, are blended at precise intervals and temperatures. The butterfly pea flower is steeped for hours to release its natural blue-purple dye. When mixed with citrus or tonic, the pH shift triggers a colour change from black to deep purple or pink. The nose shows resinous juniper, dry earthy notes and tropical sweetness. The palate is full-bodied and floral with butterfly pea flower and saffron, menthol-like crispness, citrus and warm spice. The finish is medium-length and velvety with candied sweet potato and pineapple.