Monkey 47 Gin: Discover the Secrets

For centuries, gin has been a beloved spirit around the world. It was first invented in Holland in the 17th century and quickly became popular throughout Europe. Today, it is one of the most diverse and dynamic spirits, with countless variations and unique flavor profiles.

One standout in this category is Monkey 47 Gin. This premium gin hails from Germany’s Black Forest region and has gained a dedicated following from enthusiasts worldwide.

But what makes it so special? Let’s take a closer look at its history and why it’s worth exploring.

Brief History of Monkey 47 Gin

Monkey 47 Gin was created by Montgomery Collins (a British RAF Wing Commander) who was stationed in Germany post-WWII. He purchased a guesthouse called “The Wild Monkey” in Germany’s Black Forest region where he started making gin using local botanicals he found there. After his death, Alexander Stein took over the guesthouse and found his notes on gin-making which inspired him to revive Montgomery’s recipe in honor of his legacy.

The first batch of Monkey 47 was distilled in 2008 by Alexander Stein at Black Forest Distillers – a small distillery founded by him that uses traditional methods to produce premium spirits like gin, brandy & whiskey. Since then, it has gained immense popularity among cocktail enthusiasts due to its unique flavor profile that comes from the use of unusual botanicals that are sourced locally from Black Forest region.

The Basics: What is Monkey 47 Gin?

Monkey 47 Gin is a premium gin produced by Black Forest Distillers, a family-owned company located in the Black Forest region of Germany. It was first created in 2010 by Alexander Stein, who was inspired by a recipe for gin that he found in his grandfather’s diary.

The name “Monkey” comes from the fact that the gin contains 47 botanicals, including one that is native to India called angelica root, which is believed to be a favorite food of monkeys. One of the things that makes Monkey 47 Gin unique is its high alcohol content.

Unlike most gins, which are typically around 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), Monkey 47 has an ABV of 47%. This gives it a strong and complex flavor profile that appeals to gin connoisseurs around the world.

How is it Made?

The process of making Monkey 47 Gin involves a combination of maceration and distillation. First, the botanicals are macerated in neutral grain alcohol for several days to extract their flavors and aromas. Then, the resulting liquid is distilled in small batches using a traditional copper still.

Next comes an important step called “marrying,” where the distilled alcohol is combined with spring water from the Black Forest region. This helps to balance out the flavors and ensure that each batch of gin has a consistent taste profile.

Each bottle of Monkey 47 Gin undergoes an extensive quality control process before being released for sale. This includes tasting panels and chemical analysis to ensure that every bottle meets Black Forest Distillers’ high standards for quality.

The Story Behind the Name

Origin of the Name “Monkey 47”

Monkey 47 Gin’s name is rooted in history. The gin’s origin dates back to World War II when a British Commander, Montgomery Collins, stationed in Germany decided to retire and settle in the Black Forest region. An avid gin-lover, Collins was not impressed with the gin available in Germany at that time and so he set out to create his own.

He used local ingredients, including cranberries from the forest and 47 botanicals sourced from around the world. Collins named his gin Schwarzwald Dry Gin after its place of origin but it wasn’t until years later that it became known as Monkey 47 Gin.

According to legend, one day a monkey escaped from a French circus near where Collins lived and made its way into his garden where it became his faithful companion. Collins would often enjoy a glass of gin with his monkey friend by his side.

The Significance of the Number 47

The number “47” may seem arbitrary but it actually has significance for Monkey 47 Gin’s creator, Montgomery Collins. Not only did he use 47 botanicals in his recipe for Schwarzwald Dry Gin which later became Monkey 47 Gin, but he also lived until the age of 47 before passing away unexpectedly.

In honor of him and his love for gin-making, this number was chosen to pay tribute. In addition to being important to Montgomery Collins personally, the number has been noted throughout history as having significant meaning in various cultures such as mathematics, science fiction, religion and even pop culture.

The Story Behind the Monkey on the Label

The iconic monkey on Monkey 47 Gin’s label is not just there for show – there is an actual story behind it! The image is said to be based on an old photograph of Montgomery Collins’ monkey friend, which he named Max. The label includes the monkey’s name and a brief description of how he came to be Collins’ companion.

The monkey’s inclusion on the label is not only a nod to the gin’s origins but also serves as an important symbol for Black Forest Distillers, who continue to honor Montgomery Collins’ legacy by producing gin with quality ingredients and unique flavors. The monkey on the label is a reminder that this gin has both a rich history and a strong connection to nature and wildlife.

The Distillation Process

Alchemy in Black Forest: The Distillation Process of Monkey 47 Gin

The distillation process is one of the most crucial steps in the production of gin, and Monkey 47 Gin is no exception. The creators of this premium gin, Black Forest Distillers, use a unique and complex distillation process to create their signature blend. This process involves carefully selecting and balancing botanicals that will impart their flavors into the gin during distillation.

The base spirit used in Monkey 47 Gin is made from local wheat grain, which is then fermented with water from the Black Forest region. This fermented mixture is placed into copper pot stills for distillation.

Unlike other gins that are distilled only once or twice, Monkey 47 undergoes a triple distillation process to produce a smoother and more refined spirit. During each round of distillation, the botanicals are added at specific times to extract their flavors gradually.

The precise timing allows for each individual botanical to contribute its unique taste profile without overpowering the others. This meticulous process results in a complex flavor profile that sets Monkey 47 apart from other gins.

The Effects on Taste and Quality

The careful selection of botanicals and triple distillation process used by Black Forest Distillers has a significant impact on the taste and quality of Monkey 47 Gin. The resulting spirit has a complex flavor profile that includes notes of juniper berries, citrus fruits, herbs such as lavender and sage, and exotic spices like cardamom and coriander. Because it is triple distilled, it has less burn than other gins making it smoother and easier to drink neat or mixed with cocktails.

The method also helps eliminate any impurities or undesirable flavors that may have remained after fermentation. Overall, the attention paid to every aspect of production during this distilling process contributes significantly to the quality and uniqueness of Monkey 47 Gin.

It is a labor-intensive process that requires patience, attention to detail, and a deep passion for creating an exceptional spirit. The result is a gin that can be enjoyed alone, with tonic water or in cocktails.

Awards and Accolades

Recognition Received by Monkey 47 at Various International Spirits Competitions

If you’re looking for a premium gin that has been recognized as one of the best in the world, look no further than Monkey 47. This gin has won numerous awards and accolades at various international spirits competitions, including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the International Wine & Spirit Competition, and the World Gin Awards. At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Monkey 47 Gin was awarded a Double Gold Medal in 2017 and a Gold Medal in both 2014 and 2016.

The International Wine & Spirit Competition also awarded it a Gold Medal in both 2017 and 2019. In addition to these impressive achievements, Monkey 47 Gin was named Best London Dry Gin at the World Gin Awards in both 2014 and 2020.

What Sets it Apart from Other Award-Winning Gins

So what sets Monkey 47 apart from other award-winning gins? For starters, its unique blend of botanicals includes some lesser-known ingredients such as lingonberries, acacia flowers, and spruce tips.

These ingredients give this gin a distinctive taste that is unlike any other. The distillation process used by Black Forest Distillers also sets this gin apart from others on the market.

The gin is distilled using traditional methods in small batches of around 100 liters each to ensure consistency and quality. Its attention to sustainability gives it an added edge over other award-winning gins – Black Forest Distillers are committed to using sustainably-sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Overall, if you’re looking for a premium gin with a unique taste profile that has been recognized as one of the best in the world by industry experts, look no further than Monkey 47 Gin. Its impressive list of awards and accolades, unique blend of botanicals, and commitment to sustainability make it a top choice for gin enthusiasts around the globe.

Serving Suggestions

How to Best Enjoy Monkey 47 Gin

Monkey 47 Gin is an incredibly versatile spirit, making it easy to enjoy in a variety of ways. One popular serving suggestion is to simply pour a measure of Monkey 47 over ice and top it up with your favorite tonic water. This highlights the gin’s unique flavor profile without overpowering it, creating a refreshing and balanced drink.

Another way to enjoy Monkey 47 Gin is as part of a classic martini cocktail. For this, stir together equal parts gin and dry vermouth with ice in a mixing glass until chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with a lemon twist or olive for an elegant and sophisticated drink. For those who prefer something sweeter, try using Monkey 47 in a sour-style cocktail like the Gimlet.

To make this drink, combine two ounces of gin, one ounce of lime juice, and half an ounce of simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about ten seconds before straining into a glass and garnishing with lime or cucumber.

Cocktail Recipes that Feature Monkey 47 Gin as a Main Ingredient

1) The Black Forest Negroni: A twist on the classic Negroni cocktail that highlights the botanicals found in Monkey 47 Gin. In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine one ounce each of gin, Campari liqueur, and sweet vermouth. Stir until well chilled before straining into an Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. Top with club soda and garnish with an orange peel.

2) The German Bramble: A refreshing take on the classic Bramble cocktail that features Monkey 47 Gin at its heart.

In a shaker filled with ice, combine two ounces of gin, one ounce each of fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, and a handful of fresh blackberries. Shake well until chilled before straining over ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with additional blackberries and a lemon wedge.

3) The Gin Fizz: A classic cocktail that is perfect for hot summer days. In a shaker filled with ice, combine two ounces of Monkey 47 Gin, one ounce of fresh lemon juice, half an ounce of simple syrup, and one egg white. Shake well until foamy before straining into a tall glass filled with ice.

Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon twist or sprig of rosemary. No matter how you choose to enjoy Monkey 47 Gin, these serving suggestions and cocktail recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and showcase the unique flavors found in this premium spirit.

Pricing and Availability

Where to buy Monkey 47 Gin

Monkey 47 gin is a premium gin that is not widely available in every liquor store. However, you can purchase it at various online retailers such as Total Wine & More, Drizly, ReserveBar, and Master of Malt. It can also be found at select bars and restaurants worldwide.

If you’re interested in purchasing a bottle of Monkey 47 gin locally, it’s best to check with your local liquor store or specialty spirits shop first before venturing out to find it. If they don’t carry it yet, ask them to see if they are able to order it for you.

Price range compared to other premium gins

Indulge in the refined taste of Monkey 47 Gin, a premium London Dry Gin that surpasses the ordinary. Crafted with a unique blend of botanicals and a meticulous distillation process, Monkey 47 commands a higher price point compared to average gins, ranging from around $45 USD for a 375ml bottle to $100 USD for a 1-liter bottle. Its exceptional quality and distinct flavor profile make it a remarkable addition to any home bar or special occasion, alongside renowned counterparts like Hendrick’s and The Botanist.

Monkey 47 Gin is not only distinguished by its taste but also by the distillery’s commitment to sustainability. Black Forest Distillers, the creators of Monkey 47, embrace eco-friendly practices throughout their production process. By partnering with local farmers who employ organic and sustainable farming methods, the distillery supports biodiversity and preserves natural resources. Additionally, Black Forest Distillers takes proactive steps to reduce waste, utilizing renewable energy sources, recyclable glass bottles made from locally sourced sand, and eco-conscious packaging materials.

Beyond its extraordinary flavors, Monkey 47 Gin symbolizes a holistic approach to quality and sustainability, showcasing how a company can prioritize both environmental protection and business success. Elevate your drinking experience with Monkey 47 Gin—a true testament to craftsmanship, taste, and a commitment to a greener future.

Conclusion

After delving into the world of Monkey 47 Gin, it is clear that this spirit is not your average gin. With a unique blend of botanicals, a commitment to sustainability, and a distillation process that sets it apart, Monkey 47 Gin has rightfully earned its place among the top premium gins in the world. Throughout this article, we have explored the basics of Monkey 47 Gin, including its history and key ingredients.

We have also looked at the story behind its name and label design, showcasing the thoughtfulness put into its creation. Additionally, we dove into the unique flavors and botanicals used in this gin and how they make it stand out from others on the market.

We learned about Black Forest Distillers’ commitment to sustainability and how they incorporate sustainable practices into their production process. We also explored some serving suggestions for enjoying Monkey 47 Gin at home – including cocktail recipes that feature its bold flavor profile.

Overall, there is no denying that Monkey 47 Gin is an exceptional spirit with a rich history and unparalleled quality. It has received numerous awards and accolades over the years for good reason.

As more people continue to discover this amazing gin, it’s exciting to think about what lies ahead for Black Forest Distillers’ flagship product. So go ahead: grab a bottle of Monkey 47 Gin and see for yourself what makes it so special!