There's something immediately intriguing about Sarti Dry Gin Bot.1950s. The name alone tells a story — that 'Bot.1950s' suffix hints at a botanical recipe rooted in mid-century Italian distilling tradition, a period when Italian spirits houses were producing some genuinely exceptional dry gins that often flew under the radar of the British and Dutch-dominated market.
Style & Character
Classified as a London Dry, Sarti Bot.1950s sits at a confident 45% ABV — a strength I always appreciate in this category. That extra percentage point above the common 43% or 44% isn't just a number on the label; it gives the botanical oils more alcohol to bind with during distillation, which typically translates to a more expressive, layered spirit that holds its structure beautifully when ice and tonic hit the glass.
While the full botanical bill hasn't been publicly confirmed, what we can say is that this is a gin that respects the London Dry tradition: no added flavourings post-distillation, no shortcuts. The 1950s reference in the name suggests a recipe that leans into the classic European dry gin template — juniper-forward with a likely nod to the citrus and spice combinations that Italian distillers of that era favoured.
Best Served
A gin with this pedigree and strength is practically begging for a classic Martini. I'd go with a 3:1 ratio using a quality dry vermouth — Dolin Dry works beautifully here — stirred for a full thirty seconds over large ice cubes, strained into a frozen coupette with a lemon twist expressed over the surface. At 45%, it will carry enough weight to stand up to the vermouth without losing its botanical voice. For something longer, a simple G&T with a premium Indian tonic and a sprig of fresh rosemary would let the spirit do the talking.
At its price point, this is a gin for collectors and curious spirits enthusiasts — an 8.1/10 that rewards the drinker who takes the time to explore it properly.
