THE DUKE – Munich Dry Gin: Bavarian Distillation Art in Ducal Tradition

At a time when the German gin landscape was still in its infancy, two visionaries laid the foundation for a success story in a small backyard in Munich's Maxvorstadt district. THE DUKE – Munich Dry Gin is not only a pioneer of the German gin boom, but a liquid monument to the Bavarian capital. Named after Duke Henry the Lion, the founder of Munich, this gin combines Prussian discipline in production with Bavarian joie de vivre and regional pride.

Since the distillery moved to a historic distillery in Aschheim, just outside Munich, the philosophy has remained unchanged: 100% organic certification, manual labor, and a recipe that charmingly interprets the Bavarian Purity Law.

Sensory Profile & Aroma – Powerful and Earthy

Color: A Clear Statement

THE DUKE presents itself in absolute purity in the glass. It is crystal clear and, due to its impressive alcohol content of 45% vol, has a high viscosity. The tears on the rim of the glass move slowly – an indicator of the intensity of the essential oils.

Nose (Nosing): A Walk Through a Bavarian Garden

Even on the first contact with the nose, it becomes clear: this is not a flat "New Western" gin. A powerful, spicy juniper note forms the aromatic core. Immediately following are the Bavarian "character heads": a fine bitterness from hop blossoms and the nutty-malty sweetness of barley malt. The bouquet is complemented by a fresh citrus component (coriander and lemon peel) and floral hints of lavender.

Mouthfeel: Volume and Texture

On the palate, THE DUKE shows its full stature. The 45% vol act as a perfect flavor carrier and give the gin an oily, almost creamy texture. Despite its strength, the alcohol is excellently integrated; it warms without an unpleasant burn.

Taste (Palate): Spiciness Meets Malt

The taste unfolds in complex layers. The juniper remains present but is flanked by an exciting grain note. The malt gives the gin a body that is often missing in classic London Dry Gins. The hop blossoms contribute a fine bitterness that harmonizes wonderfully with the freshness of orange and ginger root.

Finish: A Long-Lasting Finale

The finish is long and characterized by a spicy dryness. The floral notes gradually fade, leaving a pleasant warmth and a subtle pine note of juniper.

The Recipe – The Magic of 13 Botanicals

The secret of THE DUKE lies in the composition of its 13 botanicals, all of which come from organic cultivation.

• Juniper berries: The indispensable basis for the designation "Munich Dry Gin."

• Hops & Malt: The Bavarian "signature botanicals." The hops provide the subtly bitter note, the barley malt for the distinctive mildness and body.

• Coriander & Lemon Zest: Bring the necessary zest and freshness to the distillate.

• Angelica Root & Ginger: Provide earthy depth and a subtle spiciness in the background.

• Lavender & Orange Blossoms: Give the gin its elegant, floral top note.

The use of hops and malt is a deliberate nod to Munich's brewing tradition and makes THE DUKE truly unique in the gin world.

Vinification & Craftsmanship – Copper, Steam, and Organic Quality

The Distillation Process

THE DUKE is distilled using the classic pot still method in copper stills. The botanicals macerate (steep) initially in organic agricultural alcohol to release their valuable aromas and oils. During distillation, the heart, the "middle cut," is carefully separated to guarantee the highest purity.

Small Batch & Manual Labor

Each bottle is hand-filled, labeled, and sealed in the Munich area. The small batches allow the distillers to respond to every nuance of the natural raw materials – a true Small Batch Premium Gin.

Reviews & Reputation

THE DUKE has enjoyed an excellent reputation among critics and bartenders for almost two decades.

• World Gin Awards: Regular awards as one of the best German gins.

• Falstaff Gin Trophy: Received top ratings for its "pronounced Bavarian identity and artisanal perfection" (falstaff.com).

• International Spirits Challenge (ISC): Silver and gold medals for the quality of the organic distillation.

• Regularly in the "Top 10" of German gins in trade magazines like Mixology.

The Perfect Serve – From the Isar River to the Bar

The Classic Munich Gin & Tonic

For a gin with so much character, a tonic water that does not overpower the hops and malt is recommended.

• Tonic Water: A classic, rather dry Indian Tonic (e.g., Thomas Henry or Fever-Tree).

• Garnish: A classic orange zest emphasizes the floral notes, or – very Bavarian – a dried hop cone.

Mixology Tips

• Duke Martini: The nutty malt notes make THE DUKE excellent for a robust Martini with a dash of dry vermouth.

• Gin Basil Smash: The strength of 45% vol harmonizes perfectly with the intensity of fresh basil and lemon juice.

Enjoying Neat

Due to its soft, malty structure, THE DUKE is one of the few powerful gins that can also be enjoyed excellently neat at approx. 16 °C to discover the subtle grain notes.

Technical Details & Mandatory Information