Juno Monica Gin

Only 100 bottles of this 200 ml limited edition were made available, a full-flavoured citrus gin sparkling with notes of makrut lime. Juno developed it with Monica's Eatery, next to New Plymouth's Govett-Brewster Gallery and Len Lye Centre, to celebrate Monica Brewster, whose vision and influence shaped the city's cultural and artistic life. It is bottled at 44% ABV and was designed to pair with the eatery's menu and cocktails.

Citrus · Limited Edition

Makrut lime, the knobbly Southeast Asian citrus prized for its fragrant leaves and peel, gives the gin its bright, aromatic edge. Its perfume is more floral and resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary than common lime, with a hint of lemongrass, and it fills the nose straight away.

On the palate, the citrus is vivid and fresh rather than simply sour, and juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary keeps the drink firmly a gin. At 44%, the flavour has enough strength to carry through ice and tonic. Clean and fragrant, the finish lets the lime leaf note linger. Its leaves are a staple of Thai cooking, which explains why the gin pairs so well with spiced food.

Born in 1886, Monica Brewster was a worldly, well-travelled woman ahead of her time, remembered for her advocacy of women's rights, the environment and pacifism, and for her passion for the arts; the eatery that bears her name was built in her memory. The gin's citrus suits a Southside 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. The small bottle makes it a fine gift for a gin lover visiting New Plymouth. Neat, it is bright and zesty.

For the G&T, pour 45 ml of Monica Gin over firm ice and add 100 ml of East Imperial Yuzu Tonic. Place a makrut lime leaf and a fresh lime twistTwistA strip of peel twisted over the glass to release its oils, then dropped into the drink.Glossary in the glass, and serve the same garnishes beside it. The yuzu deepens the citrus, and the crushed lime leaf releases its perfume as you drink.