Balloon glass of gin and tonic with lemons
What flavours and aromas make you think of summer? Maybe it’s strawberries and cream, salty sea breezes or roses in the garden. Whatever summer means to you, it’s a safe bet that a gin distiller will be trying to bottle it…
One of the most appealing things about the gin category is the sheer variety of botanicals that can be used to create flavour. A botanical is anything that’s derived from plants: herbs, spices, berries, leaves, bark, roots or flowers. These can be grown locally or imported from exotic locations around the world.
This means that as gin drinkers, we have plenty of choice when it comes to finding a favourite bottle. But why stick with just one?
A taste of summer
Although I have my year-round list of go-to gins, I like to give my drinks selection a seasonal refresh. In summer I’m looking for lighter, fresher tastes and aromas.
The selection of bottles below includes new releases, such as the seaside-inspired Papa Salt, a gin created by Australian actress Margot Robbie and friends, that uses native botanicals wattle seed, waxflower and hibiscus. There are also reliable favourites like Porters Tropical Old Tom Gin and Spanish Gin Mare.
I’ve also selected a few great-tasting seasonal editions. The distilleries that produce them use a whole range of summery botanicals – from fresh strawberries or fragrant rose petals to seaside plants such as rock samphire and sea purslane – to conjure up a summer day in a bottle. Enjoy!
Summer gin: 15 bottles to try
Adnams Jardín Mexicano
Credit: Anthony Cullen
This vegan gin is made with 10 botanicals inspired by Mexican cookery, including avocado leaf, lime peel and coriander. Delivering a classic hit of juniper, it’s also leafy, fresh and herbaceous with a hint of smokiness on the nose. Silky textured and with a subtle chilli spice kick to the finish, it makes a really refreshing G&T. Garnish with lime. Alcohol 40%
£45/70cl, Ocado
Anaë
This grape-based organic gin from France was created by the Bollinger group, drawing on the expertise of Dominiqe Touteau, cellar master at Delamain Cognac and master distiller Philippe Lacile among others. Distilled in the Cognac region, Anaë’s native French botanicals include chamomile, cornflowers, lemon thyme, lemon verbena and maceron (also known as marsh pepper) hand-harvested on the lle de Ré. The result is a distinctively herbal gin, with notes of lemon verbena, sage and thyme, plus dried Mediterranean herbs and dried flowers, balanced by fresh lemon citrus and spice. Alc 43%
£43/70cl, Secret Bottle Shop
Bullards Coastal Gin
Inspired by the Norfolk coastline, botanicals include hand-foraged sea aster, marsh samphire and sea purslane. I love the coastal aromas: notes of seaweed and wet stone, like walking over rock pools. There’s a breezy salinity to the citrus palate, with a salt and black pepper finish, that makes for a crisp, clean G&T. Even better, Bullards offers refills in eco pouches that can be posted back free for upcycling. Alc 40%
£38.45/70cl, Master of Malt
East London Liquor Co Kew Gardens Gin
Credit: Charlie McKay
Taking inspiration from the plants and pollinators that can be found in London’s world-famous botanical gardens, this gin includes lavender and sweet orange among its botanicals. A classic style with plenty of juniper, but edged with floral notes, especially lavender, and plenty of citrus and pine freshness. Enjoy it in a floral G&T in your own garden. Alc 42%
Gin Mare
A Mediterranean holiday in a bottle. This reliably good Spanish gin is distilled in an 18th century chapel in an old fishing village near Barcelona, with key botanicals arbequina olives, thyme, rosemary and basil. Richly herbaceous aromas lead to a creamy palate with strong flavours of basil and dried Mediterranean herbs, over a fresh piney juniper core. Savoury olive notes linger on the finish. Enjoy it in an ice-cold G&T with a sprig of rosemary. Alc 42.7%
Isle of…
Source : https://www.decanter.com.master.public.keystone-prod-eks-euw1.futureplc.engineering/spirits/best-summer-gin-eight-to-try-461781/
