Sipsmith London Dry Gin (70cl, 41.6%)

A London dry gin from Sipsmith, made from English wheat alcohol and ten botanicals: juniper, orange peel, lemon peel, coriander seed, orris root, liquorice root, angelica root, cinnamon, cassia bark and almonds. The botanicals are distilled in copper stills, with citrus peels bringing freshness, cinnamon and cassia bark adding warm spice, liquorice root supporting sweetness without a liquorice taste, and almonds contributing a creamy texture. The gin suits both a Martini and a Gin & Tonic. The nose opens with floral aromas reminiscent of a summer meadow, followed by rounded juniper and lively citrus freshness. The palate begins with dry juniper, then lemon tart and orange marmalade, with almonds giving a creamy texture and liquorice root a subtle sweetness. The finish starts dry, then shows spicy juniper and a hint of lemon tart, with coriander bringing citrus notes and a touch of black pepper.