Schneeberger Dry Gin

Weingut Schneeberger sits in Heimschuh, a hilly corner of southern Styria better known for its wines and its terroir than its gin. The estate works sustainably enough to have earned Austria's winegrowers' certification, and that local, considered streak runs into the spirit. Schneeberger Dry Gin is made entirely by hand in a limited run, and alongside the usual juniper and citrus it draws on two regional specialities: Leutschach hops and Sausal lavender.

Those two give the gin its character. The nose is fresh and floral with lavender, citrus and the resinous lift of hops; the palate is complex and well-balanced, slightly spicy, juniper underpinning the lavender and hop notes. It finishes long and gently floral. Build it into a G&T with a good tonic and a sprig of rosemary or a twist of lemon, and let the lavender carry.