Animus Octet Fig Leaf Gin (700ml)

The newest Gin from this progressive Kyneton distillery is Animus’s riff on a London Dry Gin. Compared to their overproof core range of Gins, Octet lands at a more traditional 40% abv and is heavily pitched with juniper as opposed to the more citrusy profile of the Macedon Dry and friends. Here, the distillers have worked with eight botanicals, hence the name Octet. Alongside lemon, coriander seed and angelica, the inclusion of local, hand-harvested fig leaf and locally sourced first-press extra virgin olive oil speaks of Animus’s deep connection to their place. The result tastes as good as it looks. As always, the high standard of Animus’s ingredients and labour-intensive attention to detail are on full display. Expect big juniper flavours juxtaposed with sweet and spicy fig leaf, while the extra virgin olive oil provides a herbaceous, grassy edge and unctuous, silky weight. As always, the Animus team have threaded the needle well; it’s a beautifully balanced and flavourful Gin crafted with the trade in mind and sits comfortably in ‘first-pour’ position.