The Illusionist Dry Gin

Volume: 0.5 litres | Alcohol content: 45% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Its colour change sets The Illusionist Dry Gin apart: butterfly pea flowers, Clitoria ternatea, provide both aroma and the deep-blue hue. Adding an acidic mixer such as tonic water lowers the pH and turns the gin pale pink. This effect comes from the botanical ingredient; no added colourings are used.

The recipe combines 16 botanicals with a base of organic wheat spirit. Rosemary, lavender and chamomile contribute fresh, herbal and floral notes. Orange, lemon, grapefruit and cranberries add fruitiness, while juniper, angelica root and coriander seeds provide a spicy foundation. Earthy, warm mace and a hint of liquorice complete the blend. Depending on harvest time, the ingredients can bring subtle seasonal variations in flavour.

The gin is handmade in small batches and is not filtered before bottling. The bottle contains 0.5 litres at 45% alcohol. A dry Indian tonic makes a suitable partner for a gin and tonic; Mediterranean tonic water or ginger beer can also be paired with it.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Subtle juniper and citrus notes mingle on the nose against a gentle liquorice background. Chamomile and peppery spice round out the aroma.
• Palate: Floral and citrus notes stand out clearly on the palate. Pepper and lemongrass complement the flavour.
• Finish: The finish reveals lavender alongside the spiciness of ginger and cardamom.

Distillery/Bottler:

Tim Steglich and Max Muggenthaler developed the idea for The Illusionist in Munich’s Glockenbachviertel district in 2015. Their search for a distinctive gin recipe began in a small vaulted cellar. Numerous experiments and tastings with friends helped them fine-tune the relationship between aroma and flavour. Their first homemade still incorporated reused materials and laboratory-glass condensers.

The Illusionist Distillery GmbH is based in Hohenbrunn near Munich. The gin is distilled and bottled on its own premises. Both the botanicals and the wheat-derived base spirit are certified organic. Initially, the gin was supplied mainly to selected Munich bars before distribution expanded beyond the region.

Facts: