Every year, Monkey 47 launches its limited-edition Distiller’s Cut, which includes one extra ingredient. It’s usually something you’ve never heard of, like woodruff from the Black Forest or comes from a far flung destination like Japan, and from a distance, this year’s looks to be no different, as the special is Acer Saccharum. But upon closer inspection, it turns out that the special ingredient for the Monkey 47 Distiller’s Cut 2023 is just maple syrup.
Just to make things clear, Monkey 47 generally included 47 botanicals (a bit on the nose, but we like it), but for the Distiller’s Cut they include a 48th.
For its 13th edition, Monkey 47 traveled over 4,349 miles away in Canada. There, the distillery decided that Canadian Maple Trees provided the perfect extra ingredient to make a unique gin.
“Monkey 47 has always pushed the boundaries of gin craftsmanship while respecting tradition, a juxtaposition that has built us cache with bartenders and spirits enthusiasts while honing our position as a leader in ultra-premium gin,” said Rima Sawaya, Brand Director Gins Portfolio, Pernod Ricard USA. “We know our community of Monkey 47 lovers thrive on adventure and discovery of life’s hidden gems, which is what led us over 4,000 miles from Monkey 47’s home in the Black Forrest to find the best of the best Species Rara for our newest collectible.”
For this year’s edition, Monkey 47 set out to partner with local maple syrup farmers in Canada, seeking to find a partner that shares Monkey 47’s passion for craftsmanship. The journey led Monkey 47 to the sugar bush of the Cosman & Webb Farm. Established in 1977, in the Eastern Township of Southern Quebec, this farm has been dedicated to producing the finest, purest organic maple syrup for nearly half a century. With Monkey 47 and Cosman & Webb Organic Maple Syrup both being handcrafted and produced in small batches, the collaboration felt natural.
With the addition of Acer Saccharum (maple syrup), Monkey 47 Distiller’s Cut 2023 is a spicy and elegant dry gin that features a delicate, sweet note with a hint of caramel against a dense and complex background. “Maple syrup has a compelling taste profile, the fine nuances of which go perfectly with the aroma diversity and complexity of Monkey 47,” said Alexander Stein, founder of Monkey 47.
The label on Edition 13 is a light and warm brown tone, getting its inspiration from the maple tree bark. The giftbox is created with sustainable FSC paper, and, as it does every year, features a gold-coated neck ring for the annual limited release.
Bottled at 47% ABV, Monkey 47 Distiller’s Cut 2023 is priced at $79.99 per 375ml. For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.