Bondi Liquor Co Mandarin Gin / 700mL

The Bondi Liquor Co Mandarin Gin is a bright, citrus-forward Australian gin built around sweet mandarin rather than heavy juniper spice. Distilled in Bondi Beach, it lands somewhere between a classic dry gin and a summer aperitif spirit, and it works just as well over ice as it does in a long drink.

Mandarin peel leads the aroma, all fresh zest and a little of the sweeter pith beneath it, with juniper sitting behind rather than in front. Give it a moment in the glass and you'll pick up soft floral lift and a faint warm spice edge. The palate follows the nose closely: juicy citrus first, then a gentle herbal thread that keeps the fruit from turning confected.

Texture is clean and light, with just enough weight to carry flavour through a mixer. There's a mild peppery grip through the middle, then a dry, tangy finish that fades on citrus oil rather than sugar. Nothing about it is heavy handed, which is the point.