Monkey 47 is an ultra-premium gin unlike any other. Distilled deep in Germany's Black Forest, the liquid is subjected to a 100-day maturation process in clay-fired vessels, allowing its unique botanical list to combine into a harmonious whole. On a normal day, this process relies on exactly 47 plants to bring its floral and delicious profile to life; hence it is an unusual name.
But on a very special occasion every year, The people behind the brand are walking into the woods in search of an additional sweetening ingredient. This rare 48th ingredient propels an annual one-off product known as the Distiller's Cut. And we've got a preview of the 14th edition of Distiller's Cut Capparis, which will be available for purchase soon.
Its birth required a journey to the tiny Italian island of Pantelleria, home of the world's best capers. Here, on the volcanic soils of Sicily's southwestern coast, the famous pungent plant bud thrives. And the family-run La Nicchia farm has specialized in growing these products for over 75 years. After receiving samples of their wares, the makers of Monkey 47 saw the opportunity to do something no one had dared to do before. So, create a gin inspired by an Italian culinary classic: pasta with capers.
So they collected a ridiculous amount of the double-salted delicacies, brought them back to the Black Forest, and distilled them into spirits before distilling them. A distinct sea liqueur then emerged. Briny, olive-like tones on the nose stand out against red peppery cashews on the palate. We're not sure if it gives full noodles or not. But it's absolutely delicious; It's like a dirty martini in itself. And it's an extremely complex situation.
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“Every year, our Distiller's Cut allows us to go wild and push the boundaries of Monkey 47 flavors,” says founder Alexander Stein. “This time we realized capers could be more than just a garnish for a tried-and-tested pasta recipe.” When consumed in liquid form, he says, they have an extraordinarily infectious effect for those who “want to think of themselves on that little volcanic island in the Mediterranean.”
And who wouldn't want to do that, considering the volcanic island in question is nicknamed the “Black Pearl of the Mediterranean.” Local capers are also often considered Italian caviar. Asking for $80 per 375 ml bottle. After all, this isn't the dry gin you use every day, but it's something you might want to avoid adding to cocktails altogether.
Monkey 47 Distiller's Cut Capparis is bottled at 47 percent ABV and is sensationally sipped in a glass against a rock or two or stirred very gently. It's currently available via pre-sale here. When it's gone, it's gone completely.
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