Gubal Gin

Gubal Gin takes its inspiration from the history and culture of Byblos, and its recipe from Lebanese homes. The eight botanicals were chosen because they are familiar in Lebanese households: juniper, lemon peel, ginger, coriander, chamomile, cinnamon, apple and rosemary. Gubal Distillery makes the gin in Byblos itself, and the brand grew out of a love of Lebanon and a wish to create opportunities for the country's young people.

Citrus · Spicy · Herbal

Production combines direct heating with vapour infusionVapour infusionBotanicals sit in a basket above the liquid, so only the alcohol vapour passes through them, for a lighter, fresher extraction.Glossary. The opening is mild, led by lemon peel, ginger, coriander and juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary, with a bright, lightly peppery start. As the gin fills the mouth, chamomile and cinnamon come forward with a touch of apple, rounder and softer, somewhere between herbal tea and baked fruit; the cinnamon stays gentle, more warmth than heat. The finish is dense and returns to coriander and juniper, with rosemary keeping it balanced and slightly resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary. The gin comes in a 75 cl bottle at 40% ABV.

The Byblos Citrus G&T leans on that lemon opening. Fill a highballHighballA long drink served in a tall, straight glass with plenty of ice: a spirit topped with soda or tonic. The word also names the glass.Glossary with ice, pour in 4.5 cl gin and 12 cl 1724 Tonic Water, stir gently and finish with a lemon twistTwistA strip of peel twisted over the glass to release its oils, then dropped into the drink.Glossary. The peel lifts the citrus on the nose, while the tonic leaves space for the chamomile, cinnamon and rosemary that follow. Served long like this, the mild start stays easy and refreshing, and the dense finish still gives the drink some weight.