If you're a fan of gin, you may have heard of Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin. This gin stands out from the rest not only because of its price tag, but also because of its unique flavor profile. Priced at $45 for a 375ml bottle, it is currently the most expensive gin on the market. But what makes Monkey 47 Smokehouse Cut so special?
The Story Behind Monkey 47 Gin
The story of Monkey 47 Gin begins with a retired British commander named Montgomery Collins. In 1951, he moved to Germany's Black Forest region and found himself missing the gin of his native country. He began experimenting with his own bootleg varieties, using the abundant juniper and other unique plants and herbs found in the Black Forest. The final recipe was tucked away in a wooden box in his country guest home.
In 2006, the recipe was discovered by the founder of Germany's Black Forest Distillers. He decided to revive it and named the gin Monkey 47 in honor of Montgomery Collins' monkey, Max. Since its launch in Europe, Monkey 47 has gained popularity and is now available in the United States.
The Making of Monkey 47 Gin
What sets Monkey 47 Gin apart from other gins is the meticulous process of creating it. The distillers handpick 47 botanicals from the Black Forest region and macerate them in a mixture of molasses alcohol and spring water. This unique combination creates a gin with a distinctive flavor profile.
Monkey 47 is known for its bold and complex taste. It packs a punch with flavors of juniper, pepper, flowers, citrus, and bitter fruit. One of the key ingredients that adds to its complexity is the Black Forest lingonberries. These berries give the gin a fruity and slightly tart flavor.
How to Enjoy Monkey 47 Gin
Monkey 47 Smokehouse Cut is a gin that demands to be balanced in a cocktail. Its intense flavor and high alcohol content of 94 proof (47% ABV) make it a perfect base for creative and flavorful cocktails. Professional bartenders from around the world have shared their favorite Monkey 47 recipes:
Monkey Juice
- 3 parts Monkey 47
- 1 part Lillet Blanc
- 1 part freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 part freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 drops bitters
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all the ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Monkey Max Fizz
- 5 parts Monkey 47
- Jasmine tea, to taste
- 1 part St. Germain
- 2 parts freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 part simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Cranberry juice, to taste
Infuse the gin with jasmine tea for 2 minutes. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin, St. Germain, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled tumbler and top with cranberry juice.
47 Monkeys
- 3 parts Monkey 47
- 2 parts freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 part grapefruit syrup
- 1/2 part green Chartreuse
- 3 sage leaves
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all the ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled tumbler.
Why is Monkey 47 Gin Expensive?
Monkey 47 Gin's price tag may raise eyebrows, but it is justified by the quality and craftsmanship that goes into its production. The use of 47 botanicals, including rare and unique ingredients from the Black Forest, contributes to the complexity and depth of flavor that sets Monkey 47 apart from other gins. The handpicking, maceration, and distillation process ensures that every batch of Monkey 47 is of the highest quality.
Moreover, Monkey 47 comes in a 375ml bottle, which is smaller than the standard 750ml bottles that most gins are sold in. This smaller volume, combined with the high-quality ingredients and intricate production process, contributes to the higher price point.
Is Monkey 47 Gin Rare?
Monkey 47 Gin is indeed considered rare due to its unique and complex flavor profile. The combination of 47 handpicked botanicals from the Black Forest and India, along with traditional distilling methods, makes Monkey 47 a gin like no other.
Monkey 47 is a testament to the passion and craft of its creators. It combines the best of London dry gin with regional plant ingredients and exotic Indian spices, resulting in a gin of unparalleled complexity and harmony.
Monkey 47 Smokehouse Cut is a gin that stands out from the rest. Its unique flavor profile, created by handpicked botanicals from the Black Forest, sets it apart from other gins on the market. While it may come with a higher price tag, the craftsmanship and quality that go into producing Monkey 47 justify the cost. Whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, Monkey 47 is a gin that offers a truly exceptional drinking experience.
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