424GIN Classic Botanicals

Juniper, coriander, angelica, orris and cardamom make up the five botanicals in Wakashio's 42.4% Classic Botanicals. Sweet-potato shochu forms the spirit base, giving this recipe a different botanical profile from the distillery's juniper-only gin.

Dry · Spicy · Earthy

Coriander and cardamom give the familiar juniper a brighter, warmer direction; angelica and orris bring the more rooted side of the five-botanical recipe. A dry tonic preserves that balance better than a sweet mixer. Keep the orange twistTwistA strip of peel twisted over the glass to release its oils, then dropped into the drink.Glossary fine and express its oils over the glass, then leave the peel beside the drink rather than adding extra spice.

Juniper and coriander lead; cardamom warms the palate while the roots bring an earthy, dry finish.

The recipe names Juniper berriesJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary, Coriander seeds, Angelica rootAngelicaThe root of a tall umbellifer, earthy and musky. After juniper and coriander it is the most common botanical: it binds the aromas and holds the finish.Glossary, Orris root, Cardamom among its botanicals. Juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, orris root and cardamom form the five-botanical recipe.

For this long drink, combine 4 cl of gin with 10 cl of Thomas Henry Dry Tonic. Taste before adding Orange twist and Cardamom Pods; then use the garnish sparingly so the mixer and botanicals remain distinct. Orange and cardamom make a restrained garnish, not a second flavour layer. Dry tonic gives the roots room to register, while orange oils lift the aroma before the first sip. Express a thin peelExpressed peelThe peel is squeezed over the glass, skin side down, so a fine mist of oils scents the surface.Glossary over the glass and keep it beside the drink; extra cardamom is unnecessary. Add the garnish after the ice and mixer; one clear aromatic cue is enough to keep the gin botanicals legible. Cardamom should scent the rim lightly, not mask the juniper.