Rochelt is a name that commands respect in the world of artisan distillation. Known primarily for their exquisite fruit brandies, the Austrian house brings decades of craft to everything they touch. Annia's Gin is their entry into the London Dry category, and at 50% ABV and a price point of £145, it arrives with serious intent.
A Distiller's Gin
This is a gin that wears its pedigree on its sleeve. Rochelt's obsessive approach to raw ingredients and slow copper-pot distillation suggests Annia's Gin benefits from the same meticulous process that made their eaux-de-vie legendary. At navy strength, it has the backbone to stand up in any context — neat, on ice, or driving a cocktail with authority.
As a London Dry, you can expect juniper to lead here. The style demands it. But with a house like Rochelt behind the still, I'd wager the juniper is supported by botanicals chosen with real precision, each one given space to speak rather than shout. The 50% ABV acts as a carrier for those aromatics, delivering them with clarity rather than heat.
At £145, this sits firmly in the luxury tier. That's a big ask, even for a beautifully made spirit. It puts Annia's Gin in competition with some of the finest gins on the market, and while Rochelt's distilling credentials are beyond question, the price will narrow its audience. For collectors and those who appreciate the crossover between fine brandy-making and gin, though, it's a compelling proposition.
Best Served
Pour 50ml over a single large ice cube with 100ml of a dry, restrained tonic. Garnish with a thin slice of yuzu and a single shiso leaf — it bridges beautifully into an aperitif that nods to a Tokyo gin bar.
