1919 Classic Gin

1919 Distilling takes its name from the year New Zealanders voted down prohibition, a referendum decided by a narrow margin, and its Classic Gin puts local produce at the centre. Otago cherries and manuka honey join organic lemons and oranges, with juniper, angelica root and cinnamon giving the gin its dry frame. It is made in a custom-built still, bottled at 41% ABV, and has won gold at the Juniper Awards in 2021 and 2023 and double gold at the New Zealand Spirits Awards in 2022.

Citrus · Spicy · Fruity

Citrus peel opens the nose, with a light, honeyed fruit note behind it. Orange and lemon lead on the palate, then cherry adds a round, ripe sweetness that stops well short of a liqueur. Manuka honey, with its slightly earthy, caramel-like depth, softens the texture, while juniper and angelica bring a drier, rooty counterpoint. Cinnamon arrives late, as a gentle warmth on the finish rather than a dominant spice. The order is easy to follow: bright citrus, then soft fruit and honey, then dry spice. Manuka honey comes from the nectar of the manuka shrub, native to New Zealand, and is prized for its dense, almost medicinal richness.

That balance between fruit and dryness makes it an easy gin to mix. A Tom CollinsTom CollinsA long drink of gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water, served over ice in a tall glass.Glossary brings out the citrus, while a NegroniNegroniAn Italian cocktail of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and red bitter (Campari), served over ice with orange peel. Born in Florence in 1919.Glossary suits the cherry and cinnamon. Neat over ice, the honey and cherry show more clearly as the glass warms. A splash of soda and an orange slice make a lighter alternative to tonic.

For a long drink, 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 ice and add 4 cl of 1919 Classic Gin, then top with 10 cl of 1724 Tonic Water and stir gently. Add a fresh orange twistTwistA strip of peel twisted over the glass to release its oils, then dropped into the drink.Glossary and a short cinnamon stick. The tonic's fine bitterness frames the fruit, and the two garnishes echo the citrus and spice already in the recipe.