Magellan Gin is a new artisanal blue gin from France, made at the Angeac Distillery by Cognac Ferrand. It’s based on triple-distilled neutral spirit, which is flavoured with botanicals which are added to the copper pot still wrapped in cloth, and immediately distilled, rather than infused over night. Its creators attribute the balance of flavour to the binding properties of iris root and flower, which are used in the botanical mix. Another key note is clove, in homage to one Ferdinand de Magellan who in 1519 set out from Spain to circumnavigate the globe and explore the ‘spice islands’ – he died in battle leaving members of the fleet to return with barrels of cloves.

44%. RRP £41/1 litre. Strength & Flavour, 020 7272 0015

News item from Imbibe.com, 03-03-2011