Hands on Gin Small Batch

In Riegersburg, Alois Gölles is the third generation to work his family's orchards, distilling brandies since 1979 and vinegars since 1984. His Hands on Gin keeps the ingredient list short on purpose: five essentials built on a double-distilled white rum rather than the usual neutral grain. Juniper sets the structure while blackcurrant works with the rum to give a rounder, fuller mouthfeel and a fine earthy-herbal undertone. It took Best Austrian London Dry at the 2018 World Gin Awards.

The nose is slightly sweet and citrus-led, with oranges and a wisp of lemongrass. The palate arrives full-bodied and juicy, fresh and tart and spicy at once, green pear and rhubarb threading through. The finish runs long and clean. Serve it in a G&T with an orange twist, or let it carry a Negroni where the blackcurrant depth has room to show.