Monkeying about with Monkey 47

Not long after arriving in Amsterdam for our year-long adventure, I celebrated my birthday. We went to Sea Palace for Dim Sum. Since it was a particularly cold evening (the first of many to follow), we decided to try one of their G&T’s – Monkey 47 with an Indian Tonic mixer, and a mandarin slice pierced with whole cloves. I did manage to snag an acceptable photo in very low light; unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take a photo of the gin bottle, as we were seated a ways away from the bar.

Most G&T’s are elevated with some sort of citrus garnish, and Monkey 47 is no exception. The tanginess with the subtle spicy aroma released from the cloves makes for a wonderful combination, especially on a chilly night as autumn moves into winter. I am quite certain that had I asked for the gin and garnish to be served without a mixer and ice, it would have tasted just as spectacular, and perhaps serve to warm one from the inside out.

Should you ever find yourself with a bottle of Monkey 47, consider a large orange slice (or any type of orange citrus) and whole cloves for a more spicy twist.

The details: according to the website, the most prevalent notes of this particular gin are among others berries, lavender, and pine. Apparently, the number 47 in the name can be attributed to the fact that this gin is made with a whopping 47 botanicals, something to satisfy every palate. This also means that you probably can't go wrong with whichever garnishes or mixers you decide to use.

At the time of writing this post, Monkey 47 retails for R612 on Cybercellar, and for R519 on Norman Goodfellows.