Master’s Selection London Dry Gin

Master's is Spain's quiet bestseller, produced by Destilerías MG near Barcelona, a family firm distilling spirits since the 1940s. What sets it apart is patience: juniper, coriander and cardamom are macerated first, then sweet oranges from Valencia, lemons and bitter oranges from Seville are each steeped individually for different lengths of time before a three-stage distillation draws them together. The citrus does most of the talking, but never drowns the juniper.

The nose is fresh and fruity, lemon and orange over juniper with a fine cardamom lift. The palate is soft and well-balanced, sweet citrus and classic juniper meeting a gentle spice, and the finish is long, mild and elegant. Pour it as a gin and tonic with a restrained tonic and a slice of fresh orange, or build it into a Negroni where its fruit keeps the bitterness in check.