Willem Barentsz Premium Gin

Willem Barentsz was the 16th-century Dutch navigator who chased a north-eastern route to China; the Barents Sea still carries his name. The gin made in his honour follows the same restless spirit, its creator Michael Claessens travelling widely to source his ingredients. The recipe pairs juniper, orange peel, coriander seed, almond, liquorice root, angelica root and cinnamon bark with the unexpected note that sets it apart: exotic jasmine flowers folded into the base spirit.

The nose is true to its juniper roots, with fresh orange peel, almond and liquorice. The palate turns exotic, jasmine blossoming over angelica, cinnamon bark and coriander, the whole thing kept notably smooth and mild. It finishes long and gentle. That softness makes it an easy sipper neat over ice, or pour it into a G&T with an orange slice to coax out the floral side.