Monkey 47 Gin is famously made with 47 botanicals. But each year, the German distillery releases a “Distiller’s Cut” made with a 48th botanical, and 2019 marks the first time that this limited edition release has come to the U.S. The 48th ingredient for this year happens to be Myristicae arillus, aka nutmeg mace.
The Distiller’s Cut starts with a resiny jolt of juniper spice, and all of that bitterness gets joined by a grassy and herbaceous note in the center. Towards the back a surge of black pepper and juniper pops in, leading to a long and soft-yet-spicy finish that makes the presence of mace abundantly clear.
When used in a G&T the effect of the mace is still noticeable, but to temper its complex, spicy-forward flavor with tonic almost feels like a shame. But that still won’t stop me from making a damn good Gin and Tonic with it.
★★★
Stats:
— 47% ABV
— $80
