Procera Blue Dot

Most gin uses the same juniper, Juniperus communis. Procera doesn't. Distilled in Nairobi, it's built around Juniperus procera — East African juniper, the tallest juniper on earth — picked fresh and never dried, which is almost unheard of. If you love juniper, this is a revelation. Blue Dot is their flagship, and it wears its juniper with real pride.

The rest of the botanical bill is a tour of the continent: coriander and orris from Morocco, Swahili lime and pixie orange from Kenya, cardamom and mace from Zanzibar, even acacia honey from Somalia. It's a genuinely African gin, not a London recipe made abroad.

At 44%, it's bold and expressive. The nose is dramatically fresh and resinous — pine-forest juniper front and centre, with a nutty, almost malty sweetness and a rose-like floral edge. The palate is resinous and floral in equal measure, with flashes of cardamom and a good crack of peppery spice. This is juniper turned up to full volume, but balanced, not harsh. It rewards sipping as much as mixing.

For the gin drinker who thinks they've tasted everything, this is the one that proves otherwise.

How to Serve

A Martini is the honest test — stirred, with a twist, so the juniper leads. In a G&T, use a light tonic and an orange twist rather than lime, so you don't bury the botanicals.

Where to Drink It

The Connaught Bar for a Martini done immaculately. Artesian at The Langham. Swift in Soho.

Food Pairings

Cuts beautifully through smoked salmon or a plate of oysters — the pine and citrus love the salt.