First Impressions
Cross Keys is named for the ancient symbol of hospitality in Riga's heraldry — twenty botanicals from the master distiller behind Latvia's iconic Riga Black Balsam herbal liqueur. Chamomile, linden blossom and rosemary lead alongside juniper. Presented in a distinctive clay bottle.
Tasting
The nose is dark spicy juniper — pepper and treacle, bittersweet with florals and cola hints. On the palate, crisp juniper with twenty-botanical depth — chamomile, rosemary herbs, linden blossom honey warmth. The finish is mild with rich smooth texture.
The Bottom Line
Cross Keys earns a 7 for Latvian hospitality heritage in a gin — the Riga Black Balsam master distiller's herbal expertise creates remarkable twenty-botanical complexity. The linden blossom adds a distinctly Baltic warmth, and the clay bottle adds to the heritage presentation. Latvia's most important contribution to global gin.
