Fresh orange, lemon verbena, cardamom, bay and cassia frame Dog and Spoon Orange Gin as a dry botanical gin rather than a sweet orange drink. It is a classic juniper-led gin made with fresh oranges, verbena, cardamom, bay leaves and cassia. That matters because the name could suggest a sweet orange drink, while the actual recipe points toward peel, spice and dry herbal detail. It belongs closer to a citrus dry gin than to a sugary flavoured gin.

The nose opens with orange, but the supporting botanicals give it shape. Verbena sharpens the citrus with a lemony green lift, cardamom adds cool spice, bay leaf gives a dry aromatic note, and cassia brings warmth in the finish. Juniper remains the frame, keeping the gin from becoming marmalade-like. The palate is bright and clean, with orange peel at the front, a gently spicy mid-palate and a finish that stays dry enough for tonic.

The distillery works in small batches from a converted grain store, and the balance of the gin reflects that focused approach. Orange-led gins often become too soft; this one has enough herbs and spice to keep the citrus lively. It is made for drinkers who want orange clearly present, not hidden, but still want the bitterness and structure of gin. This balance works well in a classic gin tonic, a Negroni variation or a simple spritz-style drink.

The Perfect Serve combines quality tonic, fresh orange and rosemary. Orange repeats the main botanical, rosemary gives a green aromatic contrast, and tonic bitterness keeps the drink from becoming round. Use a thin orange wheel or a neat peel twist rather than a large wedge. The aim is to release oil and aroma, not to add juice.