Cocktail of the Week: Monkey 47’s ‘Master of the Forest’

Cocktail of the Week: Monkey 47’s ‘Master of the Forest’ | The Gentleman's Journal

Last month, Gentleman’s Journal joined fragrant forces with German ginmaker Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin for a spirited celebration. The magazine turned ten-years-old, and the gin label was launching its latest ‘Distiller’s Cut’ expression — an annual release distilled for over a decade in the Black Forest. And this year’s bonus botanical (bringing the total to 48) is sweet woodruff.

This charming cocktail, called ‘Master of the Forest’, takes its name from the German for the dainty, creeping herb: ‘Waldmeister’. And, with added flavours of Cointreau, Maraschino and Supasawa (an alternative to lemon and lime mixers), it’s a serve that both highlights the spirit’s existing notes of lemongrass, liquorice, cloves and cardamom — while also adding a fresh, piquant perspective with citrus and bitter vermouth.

A seasonal spin on the classic ‘Martinez’ cocktail, it’s the botanical brainchild of Oskar Kinberg, the Executive Group Bar Manager of HIDE and The White Horse. With almost two decades of shaking, stirring and drinks-tinkering tied under his apron strings, Kinberg was the perfect candidate to expertly amplify the flavours of this unique gin.

It’s available at Mayfair’s The White Horse pub for a limited period. But, if you’re not lucky enough to get it professionally stirred and served up, why not buy a bottle yourself (while stocks last) and mix it for yourself at home?