Description

Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin is an exceptional premium craft gin produced in Germany’s Black Forest, combining British gin heritage with German precision and one of the most complex botanical recipes in the world. Distilled using 47 carefully selected botanicals, it delivers remarkable depth, outstanding balance and an unmistakable character that has earned worldwide acclaim. 

The story begins with Wing Commander Montgomery “Monty” Collins, a British Royal Air Force officer stationed in Berlin after the Second World War. During his time in Germany, Collins became involved in helping to rebuild Berlin Zoo, where he formed a lasting friendship with a monkey named Max.

After leaving the RAF, Collins settled in Germany’s Black Forest and opened a guesthouse called Zum Wilden Affen (“The Wild Monkey”), named in honour of his primate companion. Missing the traditional gin of his homeland, he began experimenting with distilling his own spirit using local Black Forest ingredients alongside classic London Dry botanicals.

Decades later, entrepreneur Alexander Stein rediscovered Collins’ remarkable story and worked with master distiller Christoph Keller to recreate and perfect the original concept. Following around 140 experimental distillations, Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin was born — bottled at 47% ABV and featuring an extraordinary blend of 47 botanicals.

The recipe combines traditional juniper with citrus peel, aromatic herbs, floral botanicals, warming spices and the distinctive addition of Black Forest lingonberries. Pure spring water from the Black Forest contributes exceptional clarity and balance, while slow distillation allows every botanical to express its individual character without overwhelming the others.

Presented in its iconic apothecary-style brown bottle with vintage-inspired labelling, Monkey 47 perfectly reflects its unique history. Every bottle celebrates the meeting of British eccentricity, German craftsmanship and Black Forest tradition, creating one of the world’s most respected and distinctive premium gins.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Intense juniper, bright citrus peel, floral botanicals, fresh herbs and warming spice.

Palate: Exceptionally complex with vibrant juniper, citrus, floral notes, earthy herbs, subtle spice and the distinctive fruit character of Black Forest lingonberries.

Finish: Long, elegant and beautifully balanced with lingering citrus, gentle spice, pine freshness and refined botanical complexity.

Perfect Serve

Serve over plenty of ice with premium Indian tonic water and garnish with a twist of fresh grapefruit peel to enhance the gin’s remarkable botanical complexity. Monkey 47 also creates outstanding Martinis, Negronis and premium gin cocktails where its layered botanical profile can truly shine.

Perfect For

Gin enthusiasts, premium cocktails, Martinis, Negronis, luxury gifting and anyone seeking one of the world’s most complex and distinctive craft gins.

Why We Love It