The name says Ghent, and the recipe tries to say it too. Gentenaar Gin was conceived and produced in the Belgian city as a so-called single city gin, using botanicals that can be sourced within or around Ghent itself, so that geographical origin, rather than exotic imported ingredients, sits at the centre of its identity.

Citrus · Fruity · Herbal

The structure is classic: juniper, coriander seed and angelica root form a traditional backbone, and citrus peels bring freshness and brightness. The distinctive addition is grapes, sourced locally, which introduce a subtle fruity dimension and reflect the agricultural landscape around the city. Grapes are an unusual gin botanical, softer and rounder than citrus, and they set Gentenaar apart from more conventional dry gins without pulling it away from juniper. It is bottled at 40%. A city gin is a constraint as much as a story: every ingredient has to be found close to home, which keeps the list short and classic.

On the nose, juniper is clean and direct, supported by fresh citrus and light herbal tones.

The palate is balanced and approachable, combining gentle juniper, the soft spice of coriander and the rounded fruit of the grapes. The mouthfeel is smooth and medium-bodied, leading to a clean finish with lingering citrus and herbal freshness. Nothing in the recipe is there for show; its point is the city it comes from.

The Valencian orange tonic from Fentimans adds a citrus that works with the peels and the grape fruitiness. A dried orange wheel is the garnish, drier than fresh fruit and more concentrated in aroma. The gin also suits simple cocktails that let its local character come through without masking its delicate balance.