Save The Queen Gin is a Belgian honey gin from Aalst, created by beekeepers Olivier Roels and Michael Van Lent and distilled in collaboration with Stokerij De Moor. Its identity is inseparable from bees and urban beekeeping: the gin was conceived as a way to bring local honey into a spirit while keeping juniper clearly present. The brand's message, often expressed through the idea that there are no bees and therefore no future without pollination, gives the bottle a purpose beyond its flavour profile. Part of the project is linked to supporting initiatives that help protect and strengthen bee populations.

The gin is produced as a small-batch spirit at 46% ABV. It is based on fourteen botanicals, then finished with honey collected by local urban beekeepers. The recipe brings together juniper berries, rosemary, coriander seeds, cubeb berries, orris root, ginger root, lemon peel, cinnamon, angelica root, cardamom, liquorice root, grains of paradise and lavender blossom, with honey added to the gin. The honey gives the spirit its golden colour and can leave natural sediment from the beeswax, so the bottle is traditionally shaken before serving. This sediment is not a flaw; it is part of the direct use of unprocessed honey in the final product.

Aromatically, Save The Queen Gin is not designed as a sugary liqueur. Juniper remains at the front, supported by a lightly herbal and spicy structure. Lemon peel brings citrus lift, coriander seed reinforces freshness, and ginger, cubeb berries, cardamom, cinnamon and grains of paradise add a warm, peppery line. Rosemary and lavender bring a herbal-floral layer, while angelica and orris help the profile stay dry and structured. Liquorice root softens the finish and works with the honey to give roundness without erasing the gin base.

On the nose, the gin opens with juniper, citrus and a delicate honeyed note, followed by herbs and gentle spice. On the palate, the honey gives texture first, then lemon peel and coriander tighten the middle of the mouth. Ginger and cubeb berries bring a more energetic finish, while rosemary and lavender leave a clean aromatic echo. The result is smooth but not flat, with enough strength at 46% ABV to remain clear in a gin and tonic.

Save The Queen Gin can be served slightly chilled and neat, especially when the honey character is the focus. In a gin and tonic, a premium Indian tonic works well, with plenty of ice, a few lightly crushed juniper berries and a small sprig of rosemary. This serve keeps the honey in balance, supports the herbal side of the gin and allows the spicy finish to remain visible.