Sandymount Lovers Leap Dry Gin

In May 2021, Sandymount Distillery released its very first gin, Lovers Leap, and it remains the core of the range. Founder Richard Wilson started distilling as a hobby in his garage after returning in 2019 to the Otago Peninsula, his childhood backyard, where he settled on the Sandymount Estate near Dunedin. By November 2022 he had moved into a purpose-built distillery whose stills run on solar panels and whose water comes from a natural spring on the land. It is sold in 250 ml and 700 ml bottles.

Citrus · Dry · Spicy · Floral

Sandymount presents it as a London DryLondon DryA style, not a place of origin: every flavour comes from distilling natural botanicals. After distillation only water and a trace of sugar may be added, with no flavouring or colouring.GlossarySee London Dry gins-style gin at 43% ABV, and the profile follows that classic line. Bold juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary leads the nose and the first sip, then light floral botanicals fill the middle. Warm spice runs through the whole palate without turning sharp, and the finish closes on a sweet citrus note. The structure is measured rather than showy, which is exactly what has earned it attention. In 2024 it took gold at the New Zealand Spirits Awards, where it was also named Best Overall in the London Dry category, and gold from the Dish Magazine Tasting Panel, after silver medals at the IWSC and the London Spirits Competition in 2023.

The distillery's own cocktails for it include 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, a Basil Smash and the Lovers Tease. Its house 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 replaces vermouthVermouthAn aromatised, fortified wine flavoured with herbs and barks; its name comes from the German Wermut, wormwood. Dry vermouth goes into a Martini, sweet red into a Negroni.Glossary with fino sherry, or Green Marker dry vermouth, which adds a dry, nutty, savoury note. Its firm juniper also makes it a dependable base for a classic G&T.

For that Lovers Martini, add 60 ml of Lovers Leap and 30 ml of fino sherry to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for 30 to 45 seconds, then strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with one green olive. The fino's salinity sharpens the juniper and lets the citrus finish shine.