Earp No 8 Dry Gin

Apple and raspberry give Earp's No. 8 Dry GinDry ginGin with no perceptible sweetness: in the European Union, the word "dry" allows at most 0.1 g of sugar per litre.GlossarySee Dry gin gins its fruit, but the recipe stays firmly on the dry side. Earp Distilling Co. makes it in Newcastle, New South Wales, from eight botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root, cardamom, apple, raspberry, chamomile and cinnamon. The distillery describes delicate pine notes highlighted by Australian fruit, a well-rounded and refreshing palate, an herbal bite and no sweetness, and the gin is bottled at 42% ABV.

Dry · Spicy · Floral · Fruity

Pine opens the nose, soon joined by the fresh, slightly tart scent of apple and red berries.

The palate starts clean and dry; the fruit then comes through as perfume rather than sugar. Coriander adds a bright, peppery lift, and cardamom and cinnamon bring a measured warmth that never turns into baking spice. Chamomile softens the middle, and angelica pulls the finish back to an earthy, resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary juniper. The order is easy to follow: pine, orchard fruit, then gentle spice. That clarity makes it a versatile gin, as comfortable in a simple long drink as in a stirred cocktail.

Earp recommends it for spirit-forward drinks such as a classic G&T or an AviationAviationGin, lemon, maraschino and crème de violette, hence its pale blue colour.Glossary. In the Aviation, the raspberry and chamomile sit easily beside the violet and maraschino, and the dry base keeps the cocktail from turning sweet. 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 works too, with the juniper and coriander staying clear.

For the G&T, pour 4 cl over clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary in a balloon glass, add 10 cl of chilled The London Essence Company Classic Tonic Water and stir gently once. Garnish with a lemon twist, a raspberry and a chamomile sprig, and place the same garnishes on a small plate beside the glass. The crisp quinine keeps the fruit in check, the lemon brightens the juniper, and the raspberry and chamomile echo the recipe.