Alkkemist Gin

Alkkemist is a Spanish gin with a ritual at its heart: it is distilled only on the days of the full moon, in traditional copper stills and across three passes, a piece of theatre the makers treat with real seriousness. Twenty-one botanicals go into the blend, among them less usual choices such as clary, rosemary and fennel, which steer it away from the standard dry-gin template toward something softer and more aromatic.

The nose opens on lemon zest, lavender, a touch of orchard apple and that distinctive green fennel. The palate is fruity and floral at once, grape sweetness and rose set against juniper and a peppery lift, smooth throughout. The finish is long and gently spiced. Lovely on its own over a large cube, or with a light tonic and a sprig of rosemary to echo the herbs.