First Impressions
Martin Jennings' second Pothecary expression takes the same individual-distillation philosophy to the Mediterranean. Five botanicals — Serbian juniper, Sicilian orange peel, Sicilian lemon peel, roasted Sicilian almonds, and wild-foraged French gentian root — each distilled separately before blending. The Sicilian trilogy of citrus and almond creates a gin that tastes of the Italian island, while gentian root adds the bitter complexity of a classic European aperitivo.
Tasting
Five botanicals individually distilled. The nose is refined juniper with subtle toasted almond nuttiness and Sicilian citrus. On the palate at 47%, a smooth nutty body from roasted Sicilian almond, refreshing orange and lemon brightness, gentian root adding bitter herbal depth. Juniper structures throughout. The finish is refreshing citrus with lingering almond and gentian's sophisticated dry bitterness.
The Bottom Line
Pothecary Sicilian Blend earns an 8 — the roasted Sicilian almond is the star, providing a nutty richness that is genuinely unusual in gin. The gentian root adds aperitivo bitterness that makes this a natural Negroni gin. Five botanicals, individually distilled, at 47%: every ingredient earns its place. Best in a Negroni or neat. At £44, premium Dorset craft with Sicilian soul.
