Hendrick’s Gin (Watering Can) 44%

Hendrick's, made by William Grant & Sons in Scotland since 1999, became an icon by ignoring efficiency on purpose. Two separate gins are distilled and then married: a rich, full-bodied spirit from a traditional pot still, and a lighter, more delicate one from a rare Carter Head still. Both draw on eleven botanicals, among them chamomile, elderflower, juniper, citrus peel, angelica, coriander and cubeb berries, before the signature rose and cucumber essences are added to finish.

The nose is mild, floral and earthy, with citrus, juniper and hints of fennel and liquorice; the palate is peppery and gently tart, with that distinctive rose and cucumber lift. The finish is long, light and dry, the cucumber and citrus lingering. It is lovely neat or with a little water, but the classic move is a generous gin and tonic with a few slices of fresh cucumber rather than the usual lemon.