Avem Corvus approaches navy-strength gin through the language of Bordeaux grapes. Maison Mounicq created it with master distiller Christophe Gauville at Distillerie des Moisans in Sireuil. Bottled at 57.2% ABV, it blends separate spirits of grapes, juniper and aromatic plants, then adds a distillate of bitter orange. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sémillon connect the gin to the wine culture that shapes Maison Mounicq’s work.

The grape base gives the palate a broad, rounded foundation before juniper introduces pine and dryness. Aromatic plants remain grouped as part of the recipe, contributing a green botanical middle, while bitter orange supplies a sharper citrus note and a measured bitterness. The high strength gives these components room to remain distinct: fruit from the grapes, resin from juniper, herbs through the centre and orange at the edge.

The nose opens with juniper and bitter-orange zest, followed by a deeper fruit note from the grape spirit. On the palate, Corvus is powerful but not blunt. Juniper leads the attack, the grape base adds weight and a subtle vinous roundness, then the plant distillate fills the middle with herbs. Bitter orange tightens the finish and prevents the natural breadth of the grapes from feeling sweet. The final impression is long, warm and citrus-bitter, with pine returning after dilution.

Corvus can be tasted neat at room temperature, with a single ice cube or in a Negroni, where its strength and bitter orange have a clear purpose. For a gin and tonic, pour 4 cl over abundant clear ice and add 12 cl of Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water. Finish with one broad bitter-orange peel. A neutral tonic respects the separate distillates, while the garnish extends the citrus already present and leaves the grape and juniper character intact.