Arbutus Elderberry Gin

British Columbia elderberries give Arbutus Elderberry Gin its deep red hue and its most distinctive flavour. The berries are freshly cold-pressed before being blended with a citrus-forward gin, and the bottle is filled at 40% ABV. Arbutus Distillery makes the gin in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, where the fruit is grown.

Citrus · Fruity

The nose brings together bright peel and dark berry fruit. On the palate, the elderberry has a tart, jam-like character, joined by a blackcurrant note that adds depth without turning the gin into a liqueur. Citrus keeps the fruit lively, while juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary preserves the dry, recognisable gin foundation. The balance moves between fresh zest and ripe berry, with a rounded fruit finish and enough lift to invite another sip.

Cold-pressing preserves the elderberries' fresh, tart character and contributes to the gin's deep red hue. The berries come from British Columbia, and their jam-like fruit and blackcurrant notes meet the brighter citrus base. At 40%, the spirit has the strength to hold its flavour in a long drink while remaining easy to enjoy over ice. The fruit also changes the appearance: its red tone is visible before a garnish is added and stands out against clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary. A small pour over ice makes the contrast easy to notice: dark berry colour, bright citrus aroma, then a tart, rounded finish. The fresh berries keep the sweetness restrained, so the gin remains suited to a balanced long drink as well as a fruit-led cocktail.

For a gin and tonic, pour 4.5 cl over ice and add 10 cl Double Dutch Pomegranate Basil Tonic. Pomegranate echoes the darker fruit, and basil brings a fresh herbal edge to the citrus. Add a fresh raspberry and an orange twistTwistA strip of peel twisted over the glass to release its oils, then dropped into the drink.Glossary to the glass, then place the same garnishes beside it. A gentle stir joins the fruit and tonic without losing the gin's clear berry aroma.