r[h]eingin Tilly Essen Edition

r[h]eingin Tilly Essen Edition contains the same purist dry ginDry ginGin with no perceptible sweetness: in the European Union, the word "dry" allows at most 0.1 g of sugar per litre.GlossarySee Dry gin gins as the Düsseldorf original, presented in artwork created for Essen by Jacques Tilly. The illustrated bottle and gift box bring together landmarks including the Zollverein Coal Mine, Villa Hügel, Essen Cathedral, the Old Synagogue, the university, city hall and the RWE Tower. Each 50 cl bottle is numbered by hand. Behind that elaborate presentation sits a notably spare recipe, bottled at 46% ABV and built around juniper alone.

Dry · Spicy · Herbal

The gin is made with juniper berriesJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary at different stages of ripeness rather than a conventional catalogue of citrus, roots, flowers and spices. That choice gives the raw material room to show several sides of itself. Fresher berries contribute a brighter, slightly peppery lift; riper fruit brings a rounder and more resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary depth. The spirit is filtered several times, helping the aroma remain clear and focused despite the robust alcoholic strength. The edition changes the visual story, not the liquid inside the bottle.

On the nose, juniper is immediate: green, piney and clean, with a faint floral impression that comes from the berry itself rather than added petals.

The palate starts firmly and dry, then opens into resin, gentle pepper and a subtle natural sweetness. At 46% ABV the structure is substantial, but dilutionDilutionThe water added by melting ice. In the right amount it opens the aromas and softens the alcohol; too much flattens the drink.Glossary reveals more detail instead of flattening the gin. The finish is long, herbal and unmistakably juniper-ledJuniper-forwardA classic profile where juniper clearly dominates, with resinous, piney notes.Glossary, with none of the competing citrus or spice notes found in more elaborate recipes.

Fentimans Connoisseurs Tonic Water preserves that clarity. Pour it slowly over a generous measure of clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary and finish with one fresh juniper berry, pressed just enough to release its aroma. This restrained garnish mirrors the recipe and avoids introducing a flavour that is not already present. A very dry Martini is another natural use: keep the vermouth measured and allow the gin's resinous, peppery structure to carry the drink.