Our High-end Summer Gin Guide 2018

Summer is just weeks away, so it’s time for our high-end gin guide! We have gathered some of the latest and greatest gin players for our latest feature. If you are looking for Japanese gins, French gins, British gins or Spanish gins, then we have them all covered. There are also some rather fruity gin based liqueurs to get your teeth into!

Citadelle (£31)

Citadelle “Gin de France” is a craft gin that was created in 1996 by renowned French distiller Alexandre Gabriel. Stunningly sophisticated, the bottle itself hints at an elegance and craftsmanship that you can expect from within. We have to say – we were not disappointed!

Containing 19 botanicals and aromatics, this multi-award-winning gin (over 60, in fact), is created in the world-renowned Cognac area of southwestern France. Utilising a traditional ‘Chateux to bottle’ production process, the distillery aims to draw upon as much immediately growing ingredients as possible. This includes juniper grown in the grounds of the Chateaux de Bonbonnet, where Alexandre’s family have been making incredible spirits for generations. Aside from the locally sourced produce, some of the botanicals include Moroccan Coriander, Mexican Orange Peel and Chinese Liquorice.

On the nose, you can expect a herbaceous aroma and juniper. The palette should expect a clean, crisp juniper driven gin, with hints of citrus. The aim

of this gin was to capture the sunshine of the vineyards and the gentle impact of the ocean breeze. They have succeeded in creating a gin which is not only a treat to drink, but also one

that does transport you to the South of France. A really outstanding gin with elegance in abundance.

What is the perfect server? The chateaux also borders with the river Charente, where France’s finest oysters are harvested, which inspired Citadelle’s signature serve of a G&T with a side of oysters, as their minerality works perfectly with the gin’s botanicals!

Citadelle can be purchased via Whisky Exchange and the recommended retail price is £31

Roku Gin (£30)

You may have heard of the House of Suntory, one of the finest Japanese distiller’s and a distiller typically known for Japanese whisky. However, Roku Gin is the first gin based offering from this iconic producer and it’s superb!

Master Distller, Kazuyuki Torii, has been working on gin for over 30 years and this new creation ticks all the boxes. Roku actually means six in Japanese, which may give you an idea of how many botanicals are used here – yes, it’s 6! We also love the aesthetics of the bottle here, which sees a hexagonal bottle echoing the number of botanicals in style.

Distilled in Osaka, the 6 botanicals are stepped and distilled in a variety of pot stills, just to ensure the best possible flavour. This gin combines sakura flower, sakura leaf, yuzu peal, Sencha tea, gyokuro tea and sansho pepper for a truly oriental flavour. Sophisticated, smooth and crisp, there is also a pleasant spicy finish. Exquisitely balanced.

Taking inspiration from the Japanese tradition of ‘Omotenashi’ – a philosophy which emphasises hospitality – the signature Roku Gin & Tonic is served with ice and six hand-cut slivers of fresh ginger to accentuate the Yuzu top notes within the gin and provide a uniquely refreshing flavour

Roku Gin available to purchase in Waitrose. It is also available to purchase in over fifty selected bars across London, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Williams Pink Grapefruit Gin (£40)

Nothing says summer refreshment more than fresh pink grapefruit! Thankfully, the wonderful team over at Williams agree with us and they have created this perfect Pink Grapefruit gin!

The award-winning GB gin has been expertly blended with fresh, zesty pink grapefruit. Tartness given by the grapefruit pairs wonderfully well with the subtle juniper for a refreshing outcome. Not all fruit based gins are a hit for us, but the balance and freshness of the pairing makes this one a gin to consider for 2018.

What is the recommended serve? 

Enjoy as a Grapefruit Gin Fizz by combining 1 1/2 part Williams Pink Grapefruit Gin with 1 part honey syrup, 1 part freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice and 1 large egg white in a shaker filled with ice, shake and strain into a tall glass over cubed ice and garnish with the wedge of grapefruit.

Find out more here.

Gin Mare (£31.50)

A true taste of the Mediterranean culture in each drop and a contender for one of our very favourite Summer gins. We love Gin Mare.

Gin Mare (meaning ‘sea’), has been inspired by the botanicals and culture of Mediterranean. As a result, you will find intriguing botanicals in play here, including Arbequina olives, thyme, rosemary and basil.  But that’s not all, there is also cardamom for a hint of spice, plus coriander and juniper berries. The juniper berries have been gathered from their own farms and citrus fruits, soaked in advance for more than a year in special large clay jars.

The best way to enjoy Gin Mare is lots of ice, a Fever Tree Mediterranean tonic, a sprig of rosemary and orange peel. All of your sense will sing and dance to a Mediterranean tune here, such is the excellent execution of flavours and aromas. Highly recommended!!

Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin (£9.99)

Not the priciest on our list; however, this award-winning gin from Aldi has a lot to be proud of and should be seriously considered this Summer. In fact, supermarket Aldi has been awarded nine accolades at the world renowned International Spirits Challenge (ISC), including a coveted gold medal for its popular Oliver Cromwell London Dry Gin (£9.99), beating off stiff competition from bottles costing up to 2.5 times the price.

But what does it taste like? This London dry is clear, crisp, with a hint of spice and that classic touch of juniper. Although, perhaps not as refined and complicated as other gins out there, it is highly drinkable and a steal at under £10! Grab one from an Aldi store near you.

The Lakes Rhubarb and Rosehip Gin Liqueur (£15)

From the wonderful The Lakes Distillery in Cumbria, this delectable gin liqueur packs a summery flavour and oodles of sophistication too. Thanks to a beautifully designed bottle, this is sure to leap out of your drink cabinet in seconds!

To create this exciting new liqueur the distillery have combined rhubarb and rosehip extract with a blend of 14 botanicals, including a select few from the Cumbrian area itself. Fruity on the palette, thanks to the rhubarb, there is also a delicate florality leant by the rosehip.  Overall, this is a well-rounded and exciting experience for the senses.

The Lakes suggest you try with apple presse and cardamom or a drop in Prosecco.  Available in 20cl or 70cl bottles.  Grab yours here.

Durham Strawberry & Pink Pepper Gin Liqueur (£20)

Another British and fruity gin based liqueur for Summer 2018, the strawberry and pink pepper offering from Durham gin is ideal for balmy days and nights. Beautiful Durham Gin has been infused with warming pink pepper and then combined with freshly pressed strawberry juice. The outcome is a deliciously fruity liqueur with a lingering warmth on the finish.

Durham gin suggest that their Strawberry & Pink Pepper Liqueur should be served as a measure topped up with Prosecco or over ice with your favourite mixer.

Find out more here.

Sekforde Drinks – Premium Botanical Mixers

Gordon’s ‘Perfect G & T’

Now, you may be looking for the “perfect G & T” for Summer 2018? If so, Gordon’s believe they have just that, so here is there recipe for a knockout gin and tonic.

The Perfect G & T

INGREDIENTS

• 50ml Gordon’s gin
• Fresh bottled tonic
• Cubed ice
• Wedge of lime to garnish

METHOD

Fill a chilled highball glass with fresh ice cubes. Pour 50ml of Gordon’s gin over the ice and top up with chilled tonic. Gently squeeze a wedge of lime into the glass before dropping it in, then give it all a final stir. The definitive G&T, and a great way to begin any occasion.

Serve in a highball glass.