First Impressions
Ampersand's Mango Chili is part of a Spanish collection that explores bold flavour combinations — this one pairing the tropical sweetness of ripe mango with the heat of chilli. At 37.5%, it sits at the minimum strength for gin, prioritising fruit flavour and approachability over botanical intensity. The concept is simple: sweetness and heat in conversation.
Tasting
Three key botanicals: juniper, mango, and chilli. The nose is mango-dominated with chilli arriving behind — tropical and inviting. On the palate at 37.5%, ripe mango sweetness leads, soft and fruity, before subtle chilli spiciness arrives mid-palate. The contrast is effective: sweet and hot in genuine tension. The heat builds gently without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long-lasting with mango and chilli in balance.
The Bottom Line
Ampersand Mango Chili earns a 6 — a straightforward flavoured gin that delivers exactly what it promises. The mango-chilli combination works better than expected, the heat preventing the sweetness from becoming cloying. Juniper takes a back seat, so purists should look elsewhere. Best in a tropical G&T with ginger ale or as a base for a Margarita-style cocktail where the chilli heat adds dimension. At £25, accessibly priced for a fun, fruity gin.
