Pura Vida Gin by Matthias Hörhan

Pura Vida is the creation of Matthias Hörhan, third-generation distiller at the family's Ab Hof business in Unterwaltersdorf, Lower Austria. He has been experimenting with stills since sixteen and trained as a distillery sommelier, and his motto, real gin, pure life, runs through this fifteen-botanical dry gin. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered in a traditional stone jug sealed with wax, a deliberately rustic, hands-on touch.

The nose is complex and floral, herbs and citrus woven together. The palate turns to pepper and firm juniper, with a ripe seam of quince and orchard berries giving it body, before a long, spicy finish. Best enjoyed simply, neat or with a premium tonic over plenty of ice, letting the floral and peppery notes do the talking.