Please meet …
one of the priciest gins on the market. Monkey 47.
A batch distilled and handcrafted Schwarzwald Dry Gin that fuses British traditions, the exoticism of India, and the purity of the Black Forest, this elegant gin was created with the use of 47 ingredients, including angelica root, acacia flowers, bramble leaves, lingonberries and spruce shoots, all of which come from the Black Forest. This gin is also bottled at a healthy 47%.
The story goes that after WWII a retired British commander by the name of Montgomery Collins was posted to the British sector of divided Berlin. Affected by the extent of the destruction of the German capital and so resolved to support the reconstruction of Germany in his free time, he became devoted to the rebuilding of the Berlin Zoo and became the sponsor of an egret monkey by the name of Max. In 1951, Collins retired from the Royal Air Force and moved to Germany’s Northern Black Forest region to take up watchmaking. Unfortunately, he showed little talent in the field of horology and opted for a Plan B, opening the country guesthouse “The Wild Monkey”, named after Max.
Montgomery Collins had long been a connoisseur of the tipple of his native country; Gin. He began experimenting using the Black Forest’s abundant juniper alongside its more unusual plants and herbs. In 2006, the founder of Germany’s Black Forest Distillers found Collins’ recipe in a wooden box in the guesthouse and decided to revive it, dubbing it Monkey 47 in honour of the commander’s monkey. The gin became an instant hit in Europe and has finally received some recognition and fame here in Canada.
On March 26, 2020, Pernod Ricard announced that they have purchased the remaining stake in Monkey 47, following its acquisition of a majority stake in 2016. Pernod Ricard is the world’s No. 2 producer of wine and spirits, with brands such as Chivas Regal, Absolut Vodka, Malibu liqueur and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Our Tasting Note
Nose: There are numerous aromas. A woody undertone followed by a bouquet of aromas that include herbal juniper, lime and fleshy berries.
Palate: Complex but well structured, with plenty of spice, fruit and herb flavours.
Finish: Very smooth, with a long finish with pine flavours and a touch of cardamom spice.
Why not … use this unique gin for a delicious Martini?
By the way, you really have to check out the very cool MONKEY 47 website!
Click here
