First Impressions
Amarula is one of Africa's most recognisable spirits brands — their cream liqueur, made from the marula fruit that elephants famously seek out, is sold in over 100 countries. In 2022, Distell launched Amarula African Gin, bringing the marula fruit into the gin world. The botanicals are steeped for 24 hours in the spirit — juniper, marula fruit, orange peel and blossom, and Ghanaian grains of paradise — before gentle pot still distillation. Gold at the Spirits Business Gin Masters before even reaching the market.
Tasting
Five botanicals: juniper, marula fruit, orange peel, orange blossom, and Ghanaian grains of paradise. The nose is fruity and floral — zesty citrus, toasted almond, exotic spice. On the palate at 43%, reassuringly juniper-led with attractive zesty orange and bursts of sweet juicy marula citrus. Dried flowers and nut mix add complexity, and grains of paradise provide enough spice to enliven without overwhelming. The finish is lingering and sweet, the marula's exotic character persisting with subtle spice.
The Bottom Line
Amarula African Gin earns a 7 — a genuinely fruity, exotic gin that translates the marula's unique flavour profile into the gin category successfully. The juniper provides enough structure to keep this recognisably gin rather than a fruit spirit, and the Ghanaian grains of paradise add welcome spice. Best in a G&T with Indian tonic and an orange twist, or in a fruit-forward cocktail. At £28, accessible pricing for an African gin with genuine provenance and a Gold medal. The elephants' favourite fruit, reimagined.
