These inspired gins from Avadis Distillery are elevated with the infusion of Riesling wines from one of Germany's best estates
While many imbibers can’t help but fall in love with gin’s distinct botanical notes that are mostly derived from its main ingredient, juniper berries, its growing appeal lies in the quality varieties now available. Unlike the production processes of Old World wines, cognacs and whiskies that are guided by strict laws, gin makers have the freedom of being as creative as they want, infusing the distillate with a bevy of other botanicals, herbs and spices.
This has also led to the creation of Ferdinand’s Gin, produced by the storied Avadis Distillery in the Saar-Mosel territory of Western Germany. The distillery’s location is at the heart of the area that’s famous for producing world-class Riesling wines, and its producers have taken full advantage of the fact.
“The semi-sweet Rieslings from Saar are world-famous for their elegance and fruity radiance, and display a maximum degree of extract density which adds a fundamental refinement to Ferdinand’s Saar Dry Gin,” explains general sales manager Michelle Lu of Malt & Wine Asia, the local distributor that first brought in the brand in 2019. Incorporating Riesling wines from the 300-year-old Zilliken Estate winery gives Ferdinand's Gin its unique character on the nose and palate. It's also the reason why the gin is as ideal on its own as it is as part of a cocktail.
There is, not surprisingly, a variety of Ferdinand's Gin to savour, including the following four that are available at TheTatlerBar.com to get you started.
(Related: The Tatler Bar is Your New Online Destination For the Finest Spirits and Champagnes)
1. Ferdinand’s Saar Dry Gin GoldCap
Avadis Distillery produces this once a year (and in limited quantities) by distilling juniper berries with an array of botanicals rarely used in gins—dried riesling grapes, Mirabelle plums, acacia shoots and cocoa beans, among several others. And in true Ferdinand’s Gin fashion, the spirit is infused with the finest Riesling from Zilliken Estate winery—one of Germany’s best winemakers. This gin is best enjoyed on its own to fully appreciate its fruity and floral-forward character and beautifully long finish.
