r[h]eingin Tilly Essen Edition contains the same purist dry gin 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.

The gin is made with juniper berries 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 resinous 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 dilution reveals more detail instead of flattening the gin. The finish is long, herbal and unmistakably juniper-led, 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 ice 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.