The Matobo Hills of Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for their granite formations, give their name to this gin from Torbay Gin in Devon. It is a collaboration with Paignton Zoo and the Wild Planet Trust, which has carried out conservation work in the hills since 1997, and with every bottle sold a contribution goes back to their conservation efforts in Africa and beyond. The Wild Planet Trust is the conservation charity that runs Paignton Zoo, on the stretch of Devon coast known as the English Riviera.

Torbay Distilling Company makes it with ten carefully selected botanicals, including West African black pepper, acacia and pink hibiscus, around a juniper base. The gin comes in 70 cl bottles at 42% ABV, and the distillery describes it as an unbelievably smooth and unique gin.

The tasting notes bring floral notes of pink hibiscus and acacia, with the delicate spice of black pepper to finish. Hibiscus adds a tart, cranberry-like floral tone, acacia a soft, honeyed flower note and black pepper a gentle warmth that lifts the finish, while juniper holds them together in a classic dry frame. Acacia flowers are also prized in perfumery for their sweet, powdery scent, which explains the soft floral side of the gin.

The Matobo Hills are known for rock paintings thousands of years old and for one of the highest concentrations of black eagles in Africa, which makes the link between the gin and conservation meaningful. With tonic, a light one keeps the hibiscus fresh, and a dried hibiscus flower or a few cracked black peppercorns repeat the recipe. The gin also suits a simple Collins, where its floral side meets lemon and soda.