Bulldog London Dry Gin

Bulldog was launched in 2007 by an American investment banker with a thirst for something more contemporary, and though the idea was born in the States, the gin is made the traditional London Dry way in the UK. It runs four times through copper stills with no artificial flavours or additives, which is much of why it drinks so mild. Twelve botanicals from eight countries give it an unusually well-travelled, exotic bill.

Among them are lemon, almond, lavender, angelica, white poppy, dragon eye, lotus leaves, liquorice, coriander, juniper, orris root and cassia bark. The nose is exotic and faintly perfumed, dragon fruit, poppy, liquorice, lotus and lavender. The palate is fine and soft, the finish long and gentle. Mix it into a G&T with a slice of pink grapefruit to echo its softer, floral side.