Lisboa Gin by Gin Lovers – 7 Botanicals – 41% – 70cl – Portugal

Lisboa Gin by Gin Lovers was developed as a tribute to Lisbon, drawing its identity from the city’s famous seven hills and the aromas associated with its streets, gardens and traditional neighbourhoods. The recipe is built around seven botanicals, deliberately reflecting Lisbon’s seven hills: Juniper, petals of red carnation, Lisbon basil (Manjerico), coriander, lettuce, cinnamon and arinto. This is an especially interesting Portuguese recipe. Manjerico is strongly associated with Lisbon’s popular saints festivities, particularly the Santo António celebrations, while Arinto, one of Portugal’s important white grape varieties, provides another distinctly Portuguese element. The red carnation also carries an unmistakable Portuguese cultural association, while cinnamon recalls Lisbon’s historic connections with the spice trade. The bottle itself is one of the strongest aspects of the presentation: an opaque white, flask-shaped bottle decorated with Lisbon’s iconic yellow electric tram, immediately connecting the spirit with the Portuguese capital.