Kokova Magazine

Anno Distillers is an artisan spirits producer located in Kent, which first hit the stores in October last year. We originally met the company at the Spirit of Christmas Fair 2013, where they were making an impression with their flagship multi-award winning gin. So it was a pleasure to see this young company evolving further and still producing at this year's event, with three other bottle variations on offer.

Anno Kent Dry Gin is the flagship infusion that kick started this 'Garden of England' company. Incorporating Kentish botanicals such as hops, samphire and florals, together with traditional botanicals, the Kent Dry is a unique flavour, pleasingly light and flowery on the nose, while holding a strong lavender note on tasting. There isn't a moments after-burn from this extremely smooth spirit, which makes it perfectly palatable for the purist. If you want to mix it up simply add a generous helping of a good tonic, like Fever Tree.

Anno Sloe Gin screams Christmas as soon as you open the lid. It is warm, fruity and completely wonderful to nose. A tantalising infusion of hand picked sloes and Anno Kent Dry Gin. With more kick in the mouth than the Kent Dry alone, this Sloe variation is perfect for sipping, and possibly tops the list as one of the nicest Sloe Gins we have tried for a while. Again, a clean example without any after-burn.

With the Cranberry Gin, Anno have again captured another aspect of Christmas that gives the nose a light lift and brings a soft warmth on tasting. Lighter than the Sloe, it was a mixed decision on a favourite between the two. Not quite the same level of smoothness as from the previous examples but still a very clean spirit with plenty going on.

A clear favourite with our Food Editor, who has claimed the rest of the bottle, the Anno Elderflower & Vodka is definitely worth a tasting. Containing Kentish Elderflowers, this infusion is creamy and floral, exceptionally summery and absolutely divine on the nose. Sweet and light on taste, it is perfect as a stand alone tipple with ice. You could mix it into an Elderflower G&T as suggested by Anno but we would probably lengthen it out over crushed ice with just a touch of tonic.

On the whole we are delighted to see the addition of three more variations from a company that little over a year ago was taking its first steps out to the consumer. If Anno can compete at this level in such a short jump of time then we would strongly suggest watching them to see what 2015 produces.

For more information visit www.annodistillers.co.uk