Created by four friends in Germany, from the most inauspicious of bases, the humble potato, spud, tater.

Windspiel translates as greyhound, a favourite breed of dog of Prussian King Frederick the Great, who first introduced the potato to Germany from the new world.

Production of the gin is overseen by master distiller Holger Bolchers, who distills the spirit twice in a big continuous still, before another distillation in a smaller pot still. This produces a rather more characterful base than found in most gins, but still smooth and neutral enough to let the botanicals take hold.

The exact botanical recipe is a mystery, though lemon zest, ginger, coriander, cinnamon, lavender blossom, and juniper are all known to be used.

The gin itself is very spicy, with big hits of earthy coriander and ginger straight off the bat. Bright notes of lemon appear, with a rather sweet juniper and slight floral flavour.

The 47% ABV strength of this gin ensures that it is warming and full on the palate.

Beautifully presented, the bottle features a charming greyhound, alongside a gold ring and blue string closure, which carries another small smaller label reading “Fridericus Rex / getreu dem kartoffelbefehl” meaning, “King Frederick / True to the potato order”. The Potato Order was a decree from Frederick the Great, which enforced the cultivation of potatoes, as a means of preventing famine.

A super premium, extremely small batch gin, which is made in groups of 800 bottles at a time.

• Distillery / brand
  Windspiel
• Country
  Germany
• SKU
  030512