Blackwoods Vintage Dry Gin 2012

Blackwoods comes from the remote, unspoilt Shetland Islands in the far north of Scotland, a place of cool air, salt spray and wild vegetation. The conceit is the vintage: each edition is shaped by a particular year's herbal harvest, so no two are quite alike. The 2012 draws on hand-picked island botanicals, juniper, meadowsweet, water mint, angelica, coriander seed and lemon peel, distilled in traditional copper stills for clarity and a clean, distinct profile.

The nose is fresh and aromatic, juniper and lemon over herbs and a subtle sweetness. The palate is soft, round and balanced, citrus freshness meeting herbal spice and floral nuance, before a smooth, elegant, long finish with a gently spicy edge. Serve it with a premium tonic and a sprig of mint or a twist of lemon to draw out the botanicals.