Gimmius Gin

In the Pays de Charleroi, in Wallonia, two friends created Gimmius Gin: Julien Warrand, who organises the Apéros des quais, and David Reale, an Italian restaurateur. Their company, Carolo Spirit, is based in Châtelet, and the gin is made at the Grandes Distilleries de Charleroi in Jumet, so it stays rooted in the region from recipe to bottle. It is bottled at 41% ABV in 70 cl bottles. Charleroi is nicknamed the Pays Noir for its coal-mining past, and the gin carries that regional pride on its label.

Citrus · Spicy · Herbal

Six botanicals go into the recipe: coriander, juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary berries, orange peel, lemon peel, cardamom and elderflower. Juniper and coriander lay down a classic dry base, the two citrus peels bring freshness, and cardamom adds a cool, slightly resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary spice. Elderflower softens the whole with a gentle floral sweetness, which explains the rounded character the makers aim for. Elderflower, picked in early summer from the hedgerows, is a classic of Belgian and northern European kitchens, where it flavours cordialsCordialA concentrated syrup of fruit (often lime) and sugar, made to be topped up.Glossary and syrups.

Carolo Spirit describes a few notes of citrus on the nose, then a round and generous palate with a delicate freshness. It is a gin built for easy drinking rather than for extremes, with the citrus and elderflower in front and the spice kept discreet. The company has since widened its range with Gimmius Rum, Vodka 6000 and Zebra Gin.

The house serve is measured precisely: 4 cl of Gimmius and 8 cl of a neutral tonic over ice, finished with a slice of lemon. The short ratio keeps the gin present, and the lemon echoes the peel in the recipe. For a slightly softer drink, an extra splash of tonic lets the elderflower come forward. It also works in a Tom CollinsTom CollinsA long drink of gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water, served over ice in a tall glass.Glossary, where lemon juice, sugar and soda water bring out its citrus.