Plymouth

Plymouth Gin – The Black Friars Distillery: 41.2%ABV

Botanicals: juniper, coriander, orange peel, lemon peel, angelica, cardamon, orris

Flavour profile: juniper/citrus

Garnish: lime

The word iconic barely does justice to Plymouth gin. History seeps through every pore of the old Black Friars distillery and into the nectar it produces. Get the impression I like the stuff? You bet.

My only regret, being an old romantic, is that it is owned by a conglomerate, Pernod Ricard. But at least they are cherishing the history and keeping the DNA intact.

There’s sweet and savory on the nose, with a touch of citrus.

Neat, citrus is to the fore, with strong and fresh but smooth juniper and earth notes. It’s restrained but paradoxically full of taste; nothing comes on too strong, very balanced. Long dry finish with an oily hint.

This is one of the few gins that will genuinely mix with anything. Load with ice, pop in a good tonic and a slice of lime and hey presto! Add a splash of Vermouth to the base, magic! One of the most versatile of gins.