Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin

Monkey 47 Dry Gin, which over the last few years has become a highly acclaimed brand, uses precisely that number of botanicals in its manufacture including unusual ones such as lingonberries. Unsurprisingly the gin itself has a lot going on, there are herby, spicy, grassy and citrus aromas with plenty of spices, fruitiness and hints of medicinal sweetness to be found on the tongue. Bottled at a robust 47% ABV it has a real presence at the finish. With a suitably full bodied vermouth it makes a great Martini.

Launched in 2010 by Pernod Ricard, Monkey 47 quickly became a phenomenon in the world of gin. The story begins with British army officer Monty Collins, stationed in the Black Forest after World War II. Inspired by local German spirits and British gin-making traditions, he set out to create a special locally distilled gin. Along the way, he adopted a monkey from the Berlin Zoo, which lent its name to the gin. The combination of its unique character and captivating backstory has given Monkey 47 an enduring appeal, making it a standout in the burgeoning gin market.