Cross Keys Botanical Gin Distilled Dry Gin

Cross Keys comes from Riga, the crown of the eastern Baltic coast and a city that has always bred rebels, from Reformation firebrands to anarchists. Its spirits carry that same defiant streak; the famous Riga Black Balsam, an alchemical herbal bitter from 1752 with a still-secret recipe, was among the first drinks this gin kept company with. The botanical character leans into the wild Baltic landscape rather than the textbook.

The nose is rich and sweet, wild flowers and rosemary over juniper. The palate turns juicy and green, birch buds and a cooling hint of mint giving way to spice, black pepper and clove, at a measured 41%. The finish is long and warming. It has the character to be enjoyed neat, but a simple tonic serve lets the herbal, peppery notes open up.