Gin Sul Kleine Freiheit Original Hamburger Gin

Born in Altona, the old quarter of Hamburg where seventeenth-century craftsmen once enjoyed special trading freedoms, this gin from the Altonaer Spirituosen Manufaktur wears its city's history openly. Tuscan juniper anchors a herbal cast of caraway, aniseed, fennel and dill, with five distinct peppers drawn out through an elaborate filtration before distilling. As a final flourish the spirit is left to rest a single night in old aquavit oak barrels, then poured into the apothecary-style bottle that has become Gin Sul's signature.

The nose is classic juniper laced with aniseed and a green note of dill. On the palate ripe lemon brightens a savoury swirl of caraway, fennel and anise, the peppers adding a slow warmth rather than heat, and the finish runs long and clean. Pour it over plenty of ice with a neutral tonic and a twist of lemon to keep the herbs in focus.