Sipsmith V.J.O.P. Gin

V.J.O.P. stands for Very Junipery Over Proof, and Sipsmith means both halves of the name. The London distillery bottles this gin at 57.7%, in the Navy StrengthNavy StrengthGin bottled at 57% ABV or more. Royal Navy lore holds that at this strength, gunpowder soaked in gin would still ignite.GlossarySee Navy Strength gins category, and designed it to deliver an emphatic, unapologetic juniper-driven profile while keeping the structure of a classic dry ginDry ginGin with no perceptible sweetness: in the European Union, the word "dry" allows at most 0.1 g of sugar per litre.GlossarySee Dry gin gins.

Dry · Spicy · Navy Strength

The botanical list is traditional; the proportions are not. Juniper dominates, with coriander seed, angelica rootAngelicaThe root of a tall umbellifer, earthy and musky. After juniper and coriander it is the most common botanical: it binds the aromas and holds the finish.Glossary and orris rootOrris rootIris rhizome dried for years, then ground. Powdery and violet-like, it mainly works as a fixative that binds and lengthens the other aromas.Glossary providing spice, dryness and aromatic structure. Seville orange and lemon peel add brightness and lift. Almond and liquorice root contribute roundness and a slight sweetness of perception without making the gin taste sugary. Cinnamon and cassia bark deepen the profile and add a dry, spicy edge. Nothing in that list is unusual; what makes V.J.O.P. distinct is how much juniper sits on top of it, backed by enough alcohol to carry its oils.

On the nose, the gin opens with intense juniper, pine-like and resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary, followed by citrus zest and dry spice.

The palate is powerful and dry, with concentrated juniper oils supported by citrus freshness and layered spice. The mouthfeel is firm and warming, as expected at this strength, and the finish is long, dry and persistently junipery, with spice and citrus peel lingering.

In a long drink, the mild Mediterranean tonicMediterranean tonicA tonic with less bitterness and sugar, scented with herbs and citrus (rosemary, thyme, lemon). It leaves more room for the gin's botanicals.Glossary from Fever-Tree lets the juniper lead without adding bitterness to a gin that already has plenty of grip. The garnish ties the recipe together in one gesture: a sprig of rosemary wrapped in a twist of orangeTwistA strip of peel twisted over the glass to release its oils, then dropped into the drink.Glossary peel, resin and citrus in a single piece. Give the gin enough dilution and time to open; it also makes a strong base for a Dry Martini or a Negroni, where a firm juniper backbone is exactly what is needed.