Mary St Citrus Gin

Lemon and lime lead Mary St Citrus Gin, followed by the softer notes of orange and mandarin. Made in Sydney by Otter Craft Distilling at 40% ABV, it keeps the juniper base of the range while moving the emphasis towards bright, mixed citrus. It was created by co-owner and distiller Eduard Otter.

Citrus · Floral · Fruity

Lemon and lime give the first aromatic cues, sharp and fresh. Orange and mandarin then bring a sweeter, softer side, and the mandarin a subtle floral quality.

On the palate, a brisk burst of citrus arrives first, then the mandarin rounds the edges without making the gin taste like a liqueur. Juniper stays underneath as a firm counterweight, so the four fruits read as part of a gin rather than a flavoured mixer. The finish is clean and lively, with lime lasting longest. Mandarin's softer, sweeter citrus rounds the sharper lemon and lime.

The name Mary St comes from the distillery's original site on Mary Street, in St Peters in Sydney's inner west. Otter Craft suggests a classic gin and tonic with a slice of citrus, and the gin can also be enjoyed neat, over ice or in cocktails; its citrus makes it a natural choice for a Tom CollinsTom CollinsA long drink of gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water, served over ice in a tall glass.Glossary, a GimletGimletGin with lime cordial or sweetened lime juice, served well chilled without ice. It is said to come from the Royal Navy, as a guard against scurvy.Glossary or a French 75French 75Gin, lemon juice and sugar, topped with champagne. It is named after the French 75 mm field gun of the First World War.Glossary. Tasted neat, the four fruits are easy to tell apart, and a few drops of water bring out the mandarin's floral side.

For a gin and tonic, fill a highballHighballA long drink served in a tall, straight glass with plenty of ice: a spirit topped with soda or tonic. The word also names the glass.Glossary with ice, add 5 cl of gin and 10 cl of Fentimans Oriental Yuzu Tonic, and stir once. Add a lemon wheel and a thin lime slice. The yuzu tonic adds an aromatic citrus lift, and the garnish repeats the two fruits that lead the gin.