Foraged Welsh laver seaweed gives GŴYR Sea Star Gin its distinctive savoury accent. The Gower Gin Company balances it with crushed Serbian juniper, bergamot, lemon balm and orange zest, then bottles the London Dry at a concentrated 47% ABV.

The nose starts with juniper and bright citrus rather than overt salt. Bergamot and orange provide lift, while lemon balm adds a fresh green note. The laver appears underneath as a mineral, gently marine detail that widens the aroma without making the gin taste like seawater.

On the palate, the higher strength gives the botanicals a clear outline. Juniper stays dry and firm, citrus oils brighten the middle and the seaweed brings a subtle savoury depth. The finish is long, clean and lightly herbal, with a measured coastal note rather than a theatrical one.

Sea Star won the Coastal category at The Gin Guide Awards 2024 and was recognised as Best Welsh London Dry at the World Gin Awards that year. The limited ceramic starfish pendant supplied with early bottles also linked the release visibly to its Welsh maritime identity.

A simple tonic serve protects the contrast between citrus, herbs and laver. Add a lemon slice and only a very small piece of edible seaweed. The seaweed is an aromatic cue rather than an ingredient to be measured: its job is to underline the savoury edge, not to dominate the bergamot and lemon balm. An Indian tonic with a clean bitterness suits the 47% strength, and the lemon slice ties the drink back to the citrus in the recipe.