Patient Wolf Whisky Barrel Gin Tonka Reserve

Three years in ex-Nova whisky barrels from Starward, Patient Wolf's neighbours in Melbourne, shape Whisky Barrel Gin Tonka Reserve. Patient Wolf built the gin specifically to complement those casks, around four key botanicals: juniper, tonka bean, coriander seed and angelica root. It is bottled at 49% ABV in a 700 ml bottle, and only 600 bottles were released.

Woody · Limited Edition · Vanilla

Vanilla and crème brûlée open the aroma, lengthening into subtle juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary and a mild, sweet whisky note.

On the palate, juniper and vanilla lead, complemented by oak tannin, before a mild wash of whisky and a zesty, tangy close. Tonka beanTonka beanA South American seed with notes of vanilla, almond and fresh-cut hay.Glossary, with its scent of vanilla, almond and hay, is the natural partner for the oak, and coriander and angelica keep the spirit dry and structured beneath the sweetness. The long time in cask gives the gin a deep colour and a rounded texture. Patient Wolf presents it as the next chapter of its partnership with Starward, and as a gin to be savoured.

The distillery suggests drinking it neat with a dash of water or ice and a slice of lemon, which keeps the vanilla and oak in front while the lemon echoes the zesty finish. At 49%, a few drops of water open it noticeably. Its whisky character also suits a MartinezMartinezThe presumed ancestor of the Martini: gin (often Old Tom), sweet vermouth, maraschino and bitters, stirred over ice and served straight up.Glossary or an Old Fashioned made with gin. With only 600 bottles made, it is a gin for special occasions, best served in a tasting glass that concentrates the vanilla.

For a long drink, pour 4 cl of Tonka Reserve over ice, add 10 cl of chilled Thomas Henry Aromatic Tonic WaterAromatic tonicA more bitter tonic, often tinted by Angostura or other bitters. It suits spicy gins.Glossary and stir gently. Garnish with an orange twistTwistA strip of peel twisted over the glass to release its oils, then dropped into the drink.Glossary and a tonka bean. The aromatic tonic stands up to the oak, and the orange brightens the vanilla.