Martin Miller’s 9 Moons Solera Reserve Barrel Aged Gin

Martin Miller's earns its reputation on smoothness, helped along by the Icelandic glacier water it is cut with, and this 9 Moons edition takes that base into oak. The name marks nine months of maturation, but the trick is the solera system: a traditional Spanish method where casks at different stages are continually blended, so each bottling stays consistent while gaining depth. The result is warm gold, sold in small 35cl bottles fit for a gift.

The nose marries juniper and citrus with vanilla, honey, soft spice and a light touch of wood. The palate is round and balanced, fresh juniper underneath sweet vanilla, caramel and ripe citrus, closing medium-length with a gentle sweetness and subtle oak spice. Stir it into a barrel-aged Martini, or sip it neat over a single large cube the way you might a mild whisky.