Hapusā Himalayan Dry Gin

Made in small batches by Nao Spirits, Hapusa borrows its name from the Sanskrit word for juniper, the berry that grows wild across the high reaches of the Himalayas. The distillery looks homeward for the rest of its bill too, gathering fresh mango leaves, fragrant coriander, ginger and turmeric rather than the usual imported botanicals. A gentle distillation lets these strong-willed ingredients settle into something complex but unhurried.

The nose opens with bright citrus, a flick of ginger and a thread of earthy turmeric. The palate is layered and aromatic, juniper holding firm against warm spice and dusty herbs, while the finish runs long and peppery with a cooling citrus lift. Pour it over a good Indian tonic with a curl of lemon peel, or let it carry a Negroni with extra swagger.