Triple Juniper with Elder Flower

Juniper goes into this gin twice: The Aisling Distillery steeps it for twenty-four hours, then adds it to the pot stillPot stillA traditional still, often copper, that distils in batches. It keeps more texture and character than a column.Glossary with a second charge of fresh berries. That method gives Triple Juniper its name. Made in Griffith, in the Riverina region of New South Wales, the gin reaches 42.5% ABV, with coriander seed, orris root, angelica root, cassia bark and elderflower completing the recipe and fresh local Murrumbidgee honey added to the spirit.

Spicy · Floral · Herbal

Elderflower gives the nose a soft, floral opening, with the double dose of juniper close behind. Neat, the palate starts sharp and resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary; a splash of tonic or soda opens it up and lets the floral side come forward. Coriander adds a light spice, cassiaCassiaThe bark of a Chinese cinnamon tree, coarser and hotter than Ceylon cinnamon. It brings a warm, slightly sweet spice.Glossary a warm edge, and orris and angelica hold the botanicals together. The honey shows on the finish, which is long and floral rather than sweet. Aisling also makes a stronger 51% version, and these notes belong to the 42.5% bottling. Elderflower and honey are a natural pair, both soft and floral, and here they round off the sharper juniper.

The two-stage juniper process is what defines the gin: part of the juniper rests in the spirit before distillation, and fresh berries join it in the pot still. The result keeps a firm juniper line under the elderflower and honey. The distillery suggests a fresh or dried citrus slice as a garnish, with cucumber, rosemary or mint as alternatives, which shows how easily the floral profile adapts. Neat over ice, the honeyed length is easiest to notice.

For a gin and tonic, fill a balloon glassCopa glassA large stemmed balloon glass, popularised by the Spanish gin and tonic: it stays cold for longer and gathers the aromas above the drink.Glossary with clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary, add 5 cl of gin and 10 cl of Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic WaterMediterranean tonicA tonic with less bitterness and sugar, scented with herbs and citrus (rosemary, thyme, lemon). It leaves more room for the gin's botanicals.Glossary, and stir gently once. Finish with elderflower and a small lemon wheel. The lemon sharpens the juniper, and the elderflower repeats the gin's floral note on the nose.