FIVE OF THE BEST: GINS FOR SUMMER

1 Cambridge Distillery Vintage 2021 Spring/Summer Gin

£150/70cl Berry Bros & Rudd

One for connoisseurs, this limited-release (just 300 bottles, via pre-release order) is an innovative gin crafted by Master of Wine and master distiller William Lowe of Cambridge Distillery. Inspired by vintage variation in winemaking, Lowe aimed to capture the essence and flavour of locally foraged fresh botanicals from the spring and summer of 2021 in this vintage bottling. It’s a blend of separate distillates from botanicals including lemon balm, hawthorn blossom and nettle. Elegant and delicate, with notes of meadow flowers and a gentle herbaceousness balanced by lifted citrus, it’s a superlative Martini gin. Alcohol 42%

2 Martin Miller’s Summerful Gin

£26.89-£29/70cl Amazon UK, Distillers Direct, House of Malt, Master of Malt, The Bottle Club, The Good Spirits Co, The Little Whisky Shop,

The Whisky Exchange

This limited-edition is Martin Miller’s first-ever seasonal gin. Based on the original Martin Miller’s, which is doubledistilled in the UK then shipped to Iceland to be cut with Icelandic spring water, Summerful pays homage to its dual national identity with a third distillation of English rosemary and Arctic thyme. No surprise then that this is a delightfully fresh and herbaceous gin, which also has balancing earthy and citrus notes, plus spice and plenty of fresh pine from the juniper and rosemary. Alc 40%

3 Mediterranean Gin by Léoube

£50/70cl Daylesford Organic

Provence winery Château Léoube launched its small-batch gin earlier this year. Capturing the essence of summer in the south of France, local botanicals include wild Mediterranean herbs, citrus peel, almonds and olives. These are distilled with a base of grape alcohol from the château’s organic winery. Offering distinctive garrigue and green olive aromas, this gin has a super-smooth and creamy palate, with a burst of vibrant citrus on the finish, along with dried herbs and savoury olive tapenade. Delicious! Alc 41.5%

4 Mermaid Pink Gin

£36.99-£39/70cl Amazon UK, Drink Finder, John Lewis, Majestic, Master of Malt, Spirits Kiosk, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop, Tyndrum Whisky Queen Victoria spent summers on the Isle of Wight and this eye-catching pink gin from the island’s distillery embodies the spirit of a sunny seaside holiday. The signature Mermaid Gin is made with 10 ethically sourced botanicals including rock samphire, known locally as mermaid’s kiss. To make Mermaid Pink the team steep fresh island strawberries in gin for four days, then re-distil. The result is a spirit that’s laced with fresh strawberry notes, along with a salty, ozone freshness – like eating strawberries and cream on the beach. Makes a fruity, fresh, creamy G&T. Alc 42%

5 Tenby Dry Gin Navy Strength

£39.99-£48/50cl Blas ar Fwyd, Gin & Juice,

Master of Malt, The Gin To My Tonic

Based on the coast of southwest Wales, The Pembrokeshire Gin Co distils its spirits using botanicals including Welsh rosemary and four different citrus peels. The Navy Strength is a punchy, aromatic, juniper-led gin with a refreshing blast of citrus and pine. Just like a breezy summer walk along the Pembrokeshire coast. Great in a G&T. Pair it with Fentimans Connoisseurs Tonic Water (£2.10/50cl Ocado) and garnish with lemon for a classic summertime serve. Alc 57%