Sipsmith V.J.O.P. Gin (70cl, 57.7%)

Sipsmith V.J.O.P. is a London dry gin whose name stands for Very Junipery Over Proof. It uses twice the quantity of juniper berries of Sipsmith London Dry Gin, with juniper macerated for three days, added to the still and used to aromatise the vapour in the Carter Head. It is bottled at 57.7%, placing it among navy strength gins, in a 70cl bottle without gift packaging. On the nose, juniper, pine and cedarwood dominate, with a hint of orange. The palate opens with strong juniper, pronounced spice and notes of dark chocolate. The finish is long and dry, with juniper clearly recognisable and the aromas balanced.