This is a lovely gin that makes a good martini and a particularly nice gin and tonic.

Before I even tasted it I read that it had won double gold at the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco, the arguable birthplace of the Martini. A good sign!

I’m also in love with the branding.

Port Chilkoot Distillery is located in Southeast Alaska and makes a range of spirits, each with a different oceanic theme.

For me the imagery conjures up some of the more whimsical aspects of the gin industry with a humourous twist on what I can only imagine is the harshness of fishing life in the distillery’s Alaskan homeland.

The bottle also has a satisfying cork which I felt was worthy of note.

The distillery is located in Haines, known for its mild winters (by Alaskan standards) and abundant natural wealth. Tourists flock to the area to view Bald Eagles and other plentiful sights of nature.

The town also hosts Alaska’s longest running beer festival in May and is known for its bountiful salmon and rich indigenous heritage.

In terms of the gin profile, 50 Fathoms is a London Dry. It leads with juniper and soft, understated pine, with gentle sweet citrus. There’s a slight fire and a pleasant perfume aftertaste.

The botanicals include spruce tips, whole juniper berries and coriander seeds, as well as sweet tangerine for that soft citrus palette.

It makes a delightful martini but I felt that the flavour profile made it even more suitable for a highly civilised gin and tonic.

It’s light, refreshing, slightly bitter but balanced with a nice touch of sweetness.

Overall it’s an absolutely lovely gin, with a beautiful flavour profile, versatile but distinctive usage and delightful branding.

Very much worthy of its accolades and very much recommended.