The great thing about gin is it can be stored for years without going off, but it’s recommended to drink it within two years of opening. Even if you tightly reseal it, it’ll likely lose taste and quality if you leave it any longer. What are the different types of gin? Made by historic London wine merchants Berry Bros. & Rudd, the six-botanical spirit took two years to develop with Dr David Clutton – a man who holds a PhD in gin (yep, that exists). It was worth the effort. Firstly, while evocative, the floral notes are so overdone that that readily dial into some of the least positive associations of flowers as flavoring— it can taste like soap in some preparations— or at the best, it’s reminiscent of overwhelming soliflore perfumes of yesteryear (their popularity, especially in the late 19th and early 20th century is why some older folks might associate this scent with “Grandma’s purse satchel). We want Bruha to become an essential beer brand and be known for creating aspirational beers that are consistently delicious. What’s distinct about the mid-palate is this big floral explosion. There are a lot of flowers here – flowers that are particularly adored by precious pollinators due to their striking scent, abundance of pollen and colour.

Taste: While some hints of peach and rose come on early, so does the underlying gin. Green juniper dominates the mid-palate hovering in a floral haze of lavender and lilac. Coriander and some spice comes through as the spirit recedes on the palate, revealing a green herbaceous side. The second rum in the distillery’s portfolio, which also includes a trio of gins and a vodka offering, Mermaid Spiced rum marries Caribbean rums from Trinidad and the Dominican Republic with local fruits and spices from the Isle of Wight.After a few years of research, we’ve created a rum that encapsulates our Island life. It now feels right as the rum category is growing in popularity, both in households and in bars and restaurants. This year we’ll be working hard to bring the brand to life and bring the trade along with us and encourage them to give peas a chance.” Some are more herbal, others more luscious, and you’ll also get the hoppy, green tea notes of the yarrow and the perfumed orris root comes forward more. With Pod Pea Vodka we’re showcasing an incredible British crop in a spirit that is made as kindly as possibly. We're excited to see how the trade play with what we’ve created.” Peas are delicious and great for the planet. They feed nitrogen into the soil, which helps to create healthier crops in the long term.

The new serve is presented in plastic-free bottles with a sustainably sourced natural cork stopper and tamper-proof seal made from corn and potato starch, designed based on a Mermaid’s tail. Serving suggestion:​ Joining Bruha’s portfolio for a limited run starting this month is Bruha Porter (4.5% ABV), a rich and dark beer with notes of caramel and toffee.

The verdict: Best gin 2023

Bruha managing director Rob Breakwell said: “Bruha Porter is the first in a line of nine seasonal cask beers we will be launching into pubs and bars this year. Mermaid Spiced Rum is crafted from a carefully selected blend of sugar cane and molasses, distilled in column stills and aged between 2-5 years in oak bourbon whiskey barrels. Gracie: I focus on making the gin and leave the design and labeling work to the team at Quaker City Mercantile. They did a great job to visualize the inspiration for this limited release – an eye-catching butterfly motif is front and center and if you look a little closer you can see a few more of our nectar-loving flying friends on the carnation pink label design and a hint of the floral bouquet they adore so much. While gin is made from distilled grain spirit, it doesn’t contain gluten peptides and is therefore gluten-free and safe for coeliacs. The verdict: Best gin 2023