Humdinger Yuzu Gin

Humdinger Yuzu Gin is a limited New Zealand release built around locally grown yuzu. The citrus is supported by orange and lemon peel, then distilled in a pot stillPot stillA traditional still, often copper, that distils in batches. It keeps more texture and character than a column.Glossary and vapour-infusedVapour infusionBotanicals sit in a basket above the liquid, so only the alcohol vapour passes through them, for a lighter, fresher extraction.Glossary to preserve a fresh, lifted character. Bottled at 40%, the gin brings a distinctly fragrant citrus note while keeping juniper in the background as a clear reminder of its base. The producer currently marks this batch as sold out, but its specific fruit and method distinguish it from the distillery's other citrus-led recipes.

Citrus · Limited Edition · Herbal

Bright yuzu leads the nose, combining floral zest with a fresh, slightly rounded citrus aroma. Orange and lemon peel extend that impression in a familiar direction, while the tasting profile also evokes chamomile, lemongrass and Gunpowder green tea. These notes bring a gentle herbal quality to the fruit without making the palate heavy. The taste begins with a vivid citrus lift, followed by a more settled juniper and spice impression. Its finish remains fresh and lightly aromatic, with the yuzu lasting after the sharper lemon-like edge has softened.

The pot distillation and vapour infusionInfusionFruit or plants are steeped in the spirit to release their flavour. Done after distillation, infusion often adds colour too, and the gin can no longer be called London Dry.Glossary give the citrus two distinct roles: the fruit's depth is carried through the distillation, while the fresh peel character remains prominent in the aroma. The producer's tasting notes mention coriander seed and angelica root alongside juniper, and describe chamomile, lemongrass and green tea as part of the flavour impression. The gin is therefore best approached as a layered citrus recipe rather than as a simple yuzu-flavoured spirit. Its limited-release status also means it belongs to a particular batch, not necessarily a permanent part of the current range.

A tonic with a complementary citrus profile suits the gin well. Add 5 cl of Yuzu Gin to a balloon glassCopa glassA large stemmed balloon glass, popularised by the Spanish gin and tonic: it stays cold for longer and gathers the aromas above the drink.Glossary full of clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary, pour in 10 cl of Double Dutch Yuzu Lemongrass Tonic and stir gently once. A thin lemon wheel and a long yuzu peel bring a fresh aroma to the top of the drink. Keep the garnish restrained: the gin already carries clear citrus and herbal notes, and extra juice could make the finish too sharp. The same serve can be shortened with less tonic when the yuzu's fragrant peel is the focus.