Poor Toms Fool's Cut Gin

At 52% ABV, Poor Toms Fool's Cut is full-bodied, rich and unmistakably led by juniper. The Sydney distillery publishes its nine botanicals: juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, cinnamon, cardamom, cubeb pepper, chamomile, liquorice root and grapefruit peel. Its own tasting notes point to a whiff of grapefruit and a long finish of liquorice and juniper.

Citrus · Dry · Spicy

Grapefruit peel gives the first bright edge against the resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary juniper. Coriander and cubeb add dry spice, the cubeb with a peppery, slightly piney bite, while cinnamon and cardamom bring warmth to the middle. Liquorice root lengthens the finish, and chamomile and angelica keep the gin composed beneath the strength. The texture is weighty and oily, and the high strength carries the juniper a long way. Too much mixer would blur the citrus and the extended juniper line that define it, so it rewards a deliberate hand. Chamomile adds a soft, honeyed floral note beneath the spice.

Poor Toms suggests this gin for an ultra-dry MartiniDry MartiniGin and a little dry vermouth, stirred over ice and served in a well-chilled stemmed glass, with an olive or a twist.Glossary, a gin and tonic or a Last Word, and specifically mentions an olive for the MartiniDry MartiniGin and a little dry vermouth, stirred over ice and served in a well-chilled stemmed glass, with an olive or a twist.Glossary. The Martini keeps the focus on the spirit and its savoury finish; a measured gin and tonic gives more lift; the Last Word, with green Chartreuse, maraschino and lime, brings citrus and herbs into play. None of them needs a sugary garnish or a heavy pour.

For the Martini, stir 6 cl of Fool's Cut with 1 cl of dry vermouthVermouthAn aromatised, fortified wine flavoured with herbs and barks; its name comes from the German Wermut, wormwood. Dry vermouth goes into a Martini, sweet red into a Negroni.Glossary over ice until very cold, then strain into a chilled coupeCoupeA wide, shallow stemmed glass for cocktails served without ice, stirred or shaken then strained.Glossary. Add a green olive. Sip slowly: the strength carries juniper and liquorice through a long, dry finish.