WHAT OUR RESIDENT GIN EXPERT SAYS:

Pickering's Gin holds a record amongst the gins we stock - it took the longest to go from invention to the shop shelves! The recipe is based on a Bombay recipe dating back to 1947, and was kept as a closely guarded family secret for over 66 years! A special bain-marie heating system was designed to draw out only the best from the copper distillation (apparently called Gert - I'm just as confused as you are), which lead to a gin with perfect balance. Hats off to them!

Anyway, history lesson over - what does it taste like? All in good time, we haven't even gotten to uncorking it yet! But once you do open this shapely bottle you immediately notice the scent of juniper, obviously a staple in gin, but you can also pick up on the various spices and herbs that prove this is of Indian origin. Pouring out a generous measure (no point in doing these things by halves, is there?) you can immediately taste juniper again, joined this time by a supporting cast of citrus and a subtle taste of nuts. It warmed me up and almost made me skip, likely an effect of the various botanicals used in the distillation process. The aftertaste was similar to the initial taste - absolutely nothing to be upset about in this case - with a refreshing herbal effect that left me wanting more. So much more that I had another.

Overall, if you're looking for a full flavoured and herby beverage to spice up your life? This is the gin for you, mark my words. Besides, it's made by a still called Gert - if that isn't a reason to try it, I really don't know what would be.