Ascott Living January - March 2015 | Page 16

CITADELLE reserve 2008 Distilled in copper pot stills, this spirit is only made when juniper berries are in season. Created in France, it owes its colour and some of its more unusual notes of wood and vanilla to being barrel aged in seasoned French oak barrels. a long drink OLD RAJ DRY GIN This Scottish gin is flavoured with saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, which gives it a subtly spicy flavour and slightly yellow hue. A bold super strength spirit, this adds an unusually interesting dimension to the smooth classic martini. MONKEY 47 Even those professing not to like gin will enjoy Monkey 47. This German newcomer is named after its 47 botanicals. Launched in 2008, its limey zest and pronounced berry taste are enhanced by subtle juniper notes and the freshness of wild herbs. AN 18th century pub in the UK holds the Guinness World Record for its gin selection. The Old Bell Inn in Delph, Saddleworth counts over 404 types of this complex spirit in its Gin Emporium. GIN MARE Alongside the usual juniper, this Spanish gin has a real taste of the Mediterranean, being flavoured with notes of basil, thyme, rosemary and olive, with a citrus kick of grapefruit. Forget lemon in your G&T and garnish with rosemary instead. RECIPE FOR SUCCESS PHOTOgraphy: Ching; gin courtesy of the library, singapore SIPSMITH london dry This artisanal dry gin has a floral nose and a zesty marmalade taste. Its spicy finish is helped along by Bulgarian coriander and Spanish liquorice root making it smooth enough for a classic martini but a rich enough companion to a thirst-quenching tonic.