Forty Spotted Classic Gin

Native Tasmanian pepperberry is the first thing you notice in Forty Spotted Classic, rising from the glass as soon as the gin is poured. The signature release of Forty Spotted, made by Lark Distillery in Tasmania, pairs it with juniper, fresh makrut lime leaves, dried lemon peel and a selection of herbs and spices. It is bottled at 40% ABV in a 700 ml bottle.

Citrus · Spicy · Herbal

Pepperberry gives the gin a distinctly warm flavour from the very first sip, with a gentle heat that builds rather than bites. Makrut lime leaves bring a fresh, aromatic citrus quite different from lime juice, green and slightly floral, while the dried lemon peel adds a brighter, zesty line. JuniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary underpins it all with a dry, resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary line. Forty Spotted describes the spices as fortified to linger rather than overpower, and the finish carries the pepperberry's warmth after the citrus fades. The distillery calls the result creative, complex and well balanced. Makrut lime leaf is a staple of Thai cooking, valued for its scent more than for any juice.

Forty Spotted suggests drinking the Classic straight, over ice or with a favourite soda, simple serves that let the pepperberry and lime leaf stay clear. The brand also holds a carbon neutral certification for its operations. The gin's warmth makes it a good partner for a NegroniNegroniAn Italian cocktail of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and red bitter (Campari), served over ice with orange peel. Born in Florence in 1919.Glossary, and its citrus suits a Tom CollinsTom CollinsA long drink of gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water, served over ice in a tall glass.Glossary or 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. Its balance of citrus and spice also suits a 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 with a lemon twistTwistA strip of peel twisted over the glass to release its oils, then dropped into the drink.Glossary.

For a gin and tonic, pour 4 cl of Forty Spotted Classic over clear ice in a balloon glass, add 10 cl of chilled Fentimans Herbal Tonic Water and stir gently. Add a strip of lemon peel and a makrut lime leaf. The dry, herbal tonic keeps the citrus and pepperberry in focus, and the lime leaf releases its scent as the drink sits.