The Walter Collective Navy Gin (75cl, 57%)

The Walter Collective Navy Gin is a navy-strength gin distilled in Bend, Oregon by Oregon Spirit Distillers on a German-made Ulrich Kothe hybrid still. A wheat neutral spirit is redistilled with double the botanical charge of the standard bottling, using soft Tuscan-grown juniper, cassia, cardamom and grapefruit peel. Founded in 2015 by Matt Melaik and named for his grandfather, WWII veteran Walter J. Bade, the 57% strength honours both his service and the Royal Navy gunpowder test. The nose shows aromatic fresh pine above bright citrus and warm spice. The palate is rich and viscous with bold, smooth Tuscan juniper and warm cardamom, and the finish is lingering and sweetly spiced.