On the uplands of Ćićarija, the juniper used for Flying Goat Istrian Dry Gin is gathered by hand. Istarska Kapljica distils the gin in Croatia and bottles it at 43% ABV; it has won a Grand Gold in Frankfurt in 2022 and a silver medal in London in 2024. Coriander, cardamom and cinnamon appear in the house's description of its aroma, with citrus following on the palate. The dark Original label carries a winged goat and marks this bottle out within a range that also includes Gold, Purple and Navy Strength presentations. Its identity rests above all on the dry juniper and the measured warmth of spice.

Juniper leads the first impression and gives the gin a dry, resinous line. Coriander adds a brighter spice, while cardamom feels warmer and more aromatic. Cinnamon appears further back, lending depth without turning the drink sweet. Citrus comes through toward the end, keeping the spices from feeling heavy. A small neat taste reveals the juniper most plainly. With a little cold tonic, the citrus becomes easier to notice and the cinnamon retreats, but the gin retains its firm structure. This is a good bottle for someone who wants spice within a recognisably dry gin rather than a fruit-forward flavoured one.

The distillery proposes several gin and tonic combinations, including rosemary and orange. That pairing is well suited to the Original: orange recalls the citrus finish and a short rosemary sprig gives a fresh herbal scent alongside the juniper. Use large ice cubes, a modest measure of plain tonic and a thin twist inside the glass. Arrange another piece of peel and rosemary beside it. There is no need to pile on the other fruits and herbs from the longer list of suggested cocktails. Taste once before topping up; at 43% ABV the gin stands up to tonic, but a restrained ratio lets the upland juniper and spice remain the focus. The result is crisp, aromatic and unforced.