At 55% vol., Batch Industrial Strength Gin pushes the distillery's signature recipe into a firmer, brighter register. The Burnley distillery describes it as an overproof version led by juniper and vivid citrus. Fourteen botanicals are used; published components include lemon balm, orange peel, lemongrass, frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon and cloves. The higher proof keeps pine and citrus sharply defined, while resins and warm spice provide a darker undertow. Lemon balm brings a sweet lemon aroma without making the palate sugary. Orange and lemongrass lift the opening, then incense-like botanicals and clove lengthen the dry finish. Its power is deliberate, and the concentrated recipe reveals layers: concentration reveals layers that a generous mixer can absorb. Batch reports Double Gold and Best Gin in the World at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while the Ultimate Spirits Challenge awarded 94 points.

High proof changes more than intensity. It holds volatile citrus above the ice, gives juniper a firm centre and lets resinous spices unfold as the drink warms. Sage and apricot suit this structure because one echoes the dry herbal line while the other softens its edge. Careful dilution reveals more detail instead of simply reducing alcoholic heat.

Follow the published pairing: 5 cl of gin, premium Indian tonic, a fresh sage leaf and dried apricot. Chill a copa with abundant ice, add the gin and tonic, then tuck sage and apricot among the cubes. Leave extra sage and two dried apricots beside the glass so the visual matches the aroma.

At this concentration, citrus oils persist above the ice while incense, myrrh and clove create a darker base. Lemon balm then restores freshness across the finish.