If you've checked the price tag on a bottle of Monkey Gin lately, you probably did a double-take. It sits near the top shelf, both in price and in looks. But what justifies the extra cash? Is it only about the label, or is there actually something special going on inside the bottle?
Monkey Gin isn’t just another fancy brand with a quirky name. The story starts in Germany’s Black Forest, where every batch gets small-batch attention and about 47 botanicals—yes, really, forty-seven, from local lingonberries to exotic roots. That alone stacks up the production bill. It’s not just gin; it’s a botanical rollercoaster that takes some real skill (and expense) to pull off right.
If you’re thinking of heading out on a gin distillery tour with your friends or your not-so-little-anymore kids—like my daughter, Keira—you’ll quickly notice how these experiences are miles away from the average booze-factory walkthrough. Monkey Gin’s place is more like a science lab mixed with an herb garden. You’ll see the care in every corner, which starts to explain why your glass or bottle costs what it does.
- What Sets Monkey Gin Apart?
- From Forest to Bottle: Inside the Distillery
- Does Premium Mean Pricier Tours?
- Tips for Visiting Monkey Gin’s Home
What Sets Monkey Gin Apart?
The thing about Monkey Gin is, it’s pretty much the overachiever of the gin world. Forget basic juniper blends—Monkey Gin loads up the party with 47 different botanicals. “Why so many?” is a question everyone asks, and the answer is actually pretty cool: this recipe lets the flavor keep changing the longer you sip. The guy behind it, Montgomery Collins, was obsessed with getting balance, so he mixed Black Forest roots (like angelica) with citrus, local cranberries, and exotic spices from all over.
This isn't mass-produced stuff. We're talking super-small batches—just 1,250 liters at a time. The distillery actually uses traditional copper stills, not big automated tanks. That kind of old-school setup is slow, but it's the reason the taste is so layered and the quality so consistent. It’s kind of like hand-stitching a jacket instead of getting it off a factory line.
- Most of the ingredients are hand-picked right in the Black Forest, which means more labor and higher costs.
- They use spring water from the same region, which adds to the uniqueness and purity of the flavor.
- The gin is left to rest in small stoneware barrels for three months, instead of speeding through big steel vats.
The packaging is another reason for the high price. The brown apothecary-style bottles and wax seals aren’t just for show; they keep the gin fresh and have become totally collectible. Some fans keep the empty bottles for years. Plus, every bottle is individually numbered—kind of makes you feel like you’re getting something nobody else does.
| Feature | Monkey Gin | Standard Gin |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Botanicals | 47 | 4-10 |
| Batch Size | 1,250 liters | 10,000+ liters |
| Resting Time | 3 months | None or a few days |
| Water Source | Local spring (Black Forest) | Generic or processed |
If you’re into flavor and craft, these details honestly make a difference. For people who just want a basic gin and tonic, it might not matter. But for gin geeks and folks who care where their bottle came from, knowing you’re sipping something uncommon is part of the fun—and, well, the price tag.
From Forest to Bottle: Inside the Distillery
Monkey Gin comes from the heart of Germany’s Black Forest, a place where tradition meets science. The distillery isn’t some industrial monster; it’s actually pretty small and still feels hands-on. Here, every batch is made using old-school copper pot stills, which are great for capturing all those wild flavors but only produce small amounts at a time. That’s a big reason for the price.
The real kicker is how many botanicals go into each batch—47, which is more than triple what you’ll find in most gins. They don’t just grab these from bulk suppliers. Instead, they use a mix of rare local plants (like fresh lingonberries found in the forest) and some crazy imports. Many of these ingredients are picked by hand and prepped right at the facility, not in some remote warehouse. That takes way more manpower and time compared to just tossing in a handful of the usual ten or so botanicals.
The gin is distilled in small batches (only a few hundred bottles every run), and then it gets packed into ceramic bottles instead of glass. Ceramic is not just a cool touch—it protects the gin from light, keeps the flavors stable, and, let’s be honest, adds a lot to shipping costs. The presentation isn’t cheap, but it’s part of what makes this gin stand out.
- All water used comes from a Black Forest spring—super pure, and it adds to the gin’s clean finish.
- Each batch matures for three months before bottling, giving the botanicals time to blend properly.
- No artificial flavors or shortcuts, which is actually rare in the gin industry.
If you’re taking a distillery tour, you’ll see most of this in action. You can smell the mix of herbs and watch the slow, careful blending process. Distillers actually walk you through each ingredient—great for both gin nerds and casual sippers. You might even get to taste a botanical or two straight from the source.
| Aspect | Monkey Gin | Typical Gin |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Botanicals | 47 | 8-14 |
| Batch Size | Small (hundreds of bottles) | Large (thousands of bottles) |
| Bottle Material | Ceramic | Glass |
| Maturation Period | 3 months | Few weeks or less |
All of this—the unique botanicals, the hands-on production, and the quality control—pushes both quality and cost up. If you’re paying more, at least you know exactly why.
When you visit the distillery, ask the guides about their sourcing process or how they choose their botanicals. You’ll learn quickly that every detail is fussed over, not just for bragging rights, but because it really changes the taste. That’s what you’re really paying for with a bottle of Monkey Gin.
Does Premium Mean Pricier Tours?
So let’s talk about the tours. If you’ve ever toured a regular gin distillery, you probably paid somewhere between €10 and €18 for an hour or two, got a sample, maybe a keychain. Monkey Gin tours? You’re looking at about €35 to €50 per person—and honestly, they sell out months ahead.
Why the extra cost? Well, first, you’re not just walking around big tanks. Visiting the Monkey Gin distillery usually means you’re in the Black Forest, and the tour takes you behind the scenes, from their wild botanical stash to the custom copper stills. You’ll get a guided tasting led by folks who actually know their stuff, not just reading from a script.
Here’s what you typically get on a Monkey Gin distillery tour compared to an average gin tour:
| Feature | Monkey Gin Tour | Typical Gin Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Price per Adult | €35-€50 | €10-€18 |
| Botanical Tasting | Included (extensive) | Usually basic or not offered |
| Exclusive Small Batches | Sample specialty gins unavailable in stores | Standard range only |
| Location | Black Forest, historic regional spots | City distillery or bigger commercial venue |
| Personalized Guidance | Gin experts, sometimes even a master distiller | General staff |
| Souvenir | Often custom glass or mini-bottle | Basic branded item or none |
The extra price does go into making the experience feel special. If you’re a gin fan, you get to taste different seasonal batches, sniff fresh botanicals straight from their source, and chat with people who live and breathe Monkey Gin. They often limit groups to keep things personal. And, if you’re wondering, yes, they check IDs—so bring yours, even if you feel ancient in your twenties.
One solid tip before you go: book your tour way in advance, especially if you’re on holiday in Germany in the summer. These tours are in demand for a reason, and you don’t want your trip ruined by a "sold out" sign.
Tips for Visiting Monkey Gin’s Home
If you’re planning a trip to the Black Forest to check out where Monkey Gin is made, a little prep goes a long way. People often expect a regular distillery, but Monkey 47's place in Lossburg is on another level. They run small group tours, which get booked up super fast—sometimes months ahead. If you’re set on a date, lock it in early through their official website.
The distillery isn’t just about the shiny stills. You’ll actually get to see and smell the 47 crazy botanicals that go into every batch. Some are local—like fresh spruce tips and lingonberries—while others (think lavender, almond, or acacia flowers) are sourced from across the world. There’s usually a guided walk through the gardens where they grow and pick some of the seasonal stuff, so comfy shoes are a must. It’s not a massive facility; you won’t be lost in a crowd. Kids are allowed, but there’s a minimum age (usually 16+ in Germany for tasting).
If you're curious about the schedule, the table below gives you an idea of the best months to visit and the stuff you could see or do:
| Month | Visitor Perks | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| April - June | Fresh forest botanicals | Garden tours are at their best; wild berries and roots picked on-site |
| July - September | Workshops & tastings | Peak season for distillery activity; staff available for Q&A |
| October - March | Cosy tastings indoors | Smaller groups, more intimate vibe, but less outdoor activity |
Snagging a bottle from the shop is usually cheaper than what you’ll pay in UK stores, but keep an eye on flight liquid limits if you’re flying. You’ll get to try the gin at the source, and sometimes they even pour limited-edition batches you can’t find anywhere else. One more thing—don’t expect a slick, commercial vibe. Monkey 47 stays pretty true to its roots, focusing more on the craft than the gift shop glamour. So bring your questions (they love talking gin) and an appetite for the weirdest flavor combos you’ll ever sip.
