Martin Miller's Westbourne Gin

At 45.2%, Martin Miller's Westbourne Gin emphasises juniper and the peppery notes of cassia and nutmeg. Distilled in England and bottled at 45.2%, it is blended with Icelandic water naturally filtered through volcanic rock. Launched in 2003 with mixology in mind, Westbourne combines a higher bottling strength than the Original with greater emphasis on juniper and spice.

Citrus · Dry · Spicy · Herbal

The nose is led by the resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary freshness of juniper, followed by the warmer scent of cassia and nutmeg. Citrus adds a brighter note alongside these more assertive aromas.

On the palate, the juniper retains its presence as the spices develop. Cassia brings a warm, woody impression and nutmeg a drier, rounded spice, together producing a peppery sensation that gives the mouthful its distinctive intensity.

The taste develops from fresh herbs towards a more sustained warmth, with citrus providing contrast along the way. At 45.2%, the gin has enough presence to remain clear through dilutionDilutionThe water added by melting ice. In the right amount it opens the aromas and softens the alcohol; too much flattens the drink.Glossary, which suits its original cocktail purpose. The finish is dry and lingering, with the juniper still perceptible beside the spices. Its character comes from that persistence as much as from strength: the warmer notes continue after the brighter citrus impression has receded. Coriander and angelica extend the spice with a fresher, earthier nuance; liquorice provides a rounder counterpoint. Lemon and orange peels brighten the juniper without masking the cassia.

For a spiced gin and tonic, pair Westbourne with Fever-Tree Indian Tonic WaterIndian tonicThe classic tonic: sparkling water, bitter quinine and sugar. The name recalls colonial India, where quinine warded off malaria.Glossary and add an orange peel with three juniper berriesJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary. The orange oil brings a fragrant, rounded citrus note beside the cassia and nutmeg, while the tonic extends the drier sensation. Leave the berries whole so their scent remains a discreet accompaniment rather than an additional source of bitterness. This restrained garnish allows the gin's peppery warmth and long finish to remain the main features of the drink.