In the interior of Rio de Janeiro state, Amázzoni, which presents itself as Brazil's first distillery dedicated solely to gin, created Rio Negro as its second label. It takes its name from the great Amazon tributary known for its dark waters, and it is bottled at 51% ABV in a dark glass bottle whose label reads E das Águas Nasceu a Estrela. The gin won a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2019, and the bottle also shows the Distiller of the Year title awarded to Amázzoni by the World Gin Awards.

Citrus · Woody · Spicy

Rio Negro is a stronger, more classic counterpart to the original Amázzoni, which is bottled at 42% ABV. The distillery uses a much larger share of juniper and drops two of the original's Brazilian botanicals, maxixe and cipó-cravo, to bring the gin closer to a traditional London Dry. The recipe keeps juniper, coriander seed, aroeira, bay laurel, Sicilian lemon peel, tangerine peel, cacao, Brazil nut and the seed of the Victoria water lily, known in Brazil as vitória-régia.

Juniper leads clearly, supported by the citrus of lemon and tangerine and the peppery, resinous note of aroeira, the Brazilian pink pepper. Bay laurel adds a dry, savoury edge, while cacao and Brazil nut give depth and a rounded texture rather than sweetness, and the finish is long and dry. At 51% ABV the flavours are concentrated, so a few drops of water help to open the citrus and the spice.

In a gin and tonic, a measured pour over large ice with a chilled Indian tonic keeps the juniper firm through dilution. A twist of lemon peel and a bay leaf echo two of the botanicals. The strength also makes it an excellent base for a Martini or a Negroni, where it holds its own against vermouth and bitters.