Animus Test Natini Gin 500ml

Animus Test Natini Gin 500ml is a limited Martini gin built almost entirely on Australian native botanicals.

Head distiller Sarah Wallace keeps a greenhouse on her farm near the Kyneton distillery, and the Test Pressing series exists so she can trial small-batch recipes out of it. This one brings native plants to the front and answers a standing request from the team for a gin made specifically for Martinis. Twenty-four botanicals went in, the most the distillery has used in one gin: ruby grapefruit zest with lemon-scented gum and lemon myrtle for lift; wattle seed roasted alongside macadamia for toasted weight; anise myrtle, peppermint gum and native oregano for fragrance; pink peppercorn and mountain pepper leaf for warmth; saltbush, clary sage, rosemary and lavender for herbal depth. Two hundred bottles were made.

The nose is pure oleo saccharum, with pine-like juniper behind and leafy, floral botanicals in front. The palate is big and viscous, sweet and spicy up front, finishing bone-dry with a saline snap. Make the Martini: extra dry vermouth, a dash of Manzanilla, very cold.