Hoos: Gin from a Karlsruhe Distiller

In 2013, Heiko Hoos decided he no longer wanted to choose between classic and modern when it came to gin. Since then, he has been distilling it himself, using the London Gin method and featuring a powerful juniper note, as he puts it. He designed the bottle himself, and handles marketing and sales without any investors. The bottles are simple and dark; the focus is meant to be on what’s inside. Hoos calls this “small batch gin in the truest sense”: slowly distilled, in batches of 120 bottles.

London Gin with 15 Botanicals

The Hoos London Gin is the foundation of everything. It contains 15 fresh and dried herbs, including juniper, pine sprouts, lavender, chamomile flowers, cubeb pepper, cardamom, and citrus peel. The producer describes it as “gin like a walk in the forest.” With 44.4% ABV, it is robust and made for Gin & Tonic, Martini, and Negroni. It is best enjoyed with a dry tonic water, plenty of ice, and a sprig of rosemary or a strip of orange peel that picks up on the herbs in the gin. For those looking to try it, it is also available as a London Gin 200 ml.

Pink Grapefruit Gin Liqueur

For the Pink Grapefruit Gin Liqueur, grapefruit peel is steeped in the London Gin, followed by the addition of fresh grapefruit juice. With 30.5% ABV, it is a gin liqueur: summery and fruity, with gin botanicals and a bitterness reminiscent of Mediterranean bitter liqueurs. Hoos himself calls it an aperitif. Served well-chilled and neat over ice with a slice of grapefruit, its profile is clearest; with tonic or soda water, it becomes a longer drink. It is also available as a 200 ml bottle.

Order Hoos online

At Leni & Hans, you can have Hoos Gin delivered to your door in 1–3 days. The small bottles make great gifts or are perfect for a gin tasting at home. Sales only to persons aged 18 and over.