Monkey 47 gin review: the Black Forest gin with 47 botanicals

This Monkey 47 gin review looks at one of the best-known German craft gins. Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin was launched in 2010 by Alexander Stein, who left a job at Nokia to return to the Black Forest and set up Black Forest Distillers. Pernod Ricard bought into the brand in 2016 and now holds a majority stake, but the gin is still made in the Black Forest.

The name comes from a story Stein uncovered: a recipe linked to Wing Commander Montgomery "Monty" Collins, a British officer who settled in the Black Forest after the Second World War and ran a guesthouse called "Zum wilden Affen" (The Wild Monkey). The 47 refers to both the number of botanicals and the alcohol strength. Based on the producer's information, drinks writers' tasting notes and published guides, here is how it tastes and how to enjoy it.

How Monkey 47 is made

According to Difford's Guide, production starts with a molasses-based neutral spirit and soft local spring water. Fresh lingonberries are macerated for about 30 days, while the main blend of botanicals is macerated for around 36 hours before distillation in small copper stills with a vapour basket. The finished distillate then rests for about 100 days in large earthenware vessels before bottling.

Stein reportedly ran more than 120 trial distillations before settling on the final recipe. About a third of the 47 botanicals are handpicked in the Black Forest.

• Juniper, the backbone of any gin
• Lingonberries and spruce from the Black Forest
• Citrus peels including bitter orange, lemon, pomelo and grapefruit
• Spices such as cardamom, cloves and nutmeg
• Floral notes from elderflower and lavender

Tasting notes: what does Monkey 47 taste like?

Monkey 47 is crystal clear. On the nose, Difford's Guide notes lime zest, lime cordial and lemongrass, with eucalyptus, spruce forest and faint lavender. The palate is clean and zesty, with resinous pine, eucalyptus, herbs, liquorice and cardamom. The finish is long, led by lime, lemongrass and pine with lingering spice.

In short, it is juniper and citrus-forward but far more layered than a classic London dry gin. The high strength carries the flavour well, so a little goes a long way.

How to serve Monkey 47

The classic serve is a gin and tonic with plenty of ice and a neutral or lightly flavoured premium tonic, so the botanicals come through. A slice of pink grapefruit, a strip of lemon peel or a sprig of rosemary works well as a garnish.

It also makes a bold dry martini or gimlet. Difford's Guide suggests using slightly smaller measures in cocktails than you would with a standard 40% gin, because its intensity can overpower other ingredients.

The Monkey 47 range

Beyond the core Schwarzwald Dry Gin, the brand offers Schwarzwald Sloe Gin, also at 47% ABV and made with wild-picked sloes. It has also released limited editions such as Barrel Cut, aged in mulberry wood casks, and the Experimentum series. Limited releases sell quickly and can be hard to find.

Is Monkey 47 worth the price?

Monkey 47 costs more than most gins, and the 500 ml bottle makes it even pricier per serve. You are paying for a complex recipe, a slow production process and strong brand appeal. For people who drink gin neat, in martinis or in simple tonics, the extra flavour justifies the cost. If you mostly mix gin with strong juices or sweet mixers, a cheaper gin will do the job.

Who should buy Monkey 47?

It is an excellent gift for gin fans and a good way to explore German craft gin. It is less suited to anyone who prefers light, subtle spirits or wants a budget mixer. As with any 47% spirit, drink responsibly.

Monkey 47 vs other popular gins

Compared with a classic London dry gin, Monkey 47 is more aromatic and layered, with a stronger citrus, pine and spice character. It is also bottled at a higher strength than most standard gins, which sit around 37.5 to 43% ABV.

Against Hendrick's, which is known for cucumber and rose notes, Monkey 47 is bolder and more herbal, so it suits drinkers who like a gin that stands up to tonic and ice. Among German gins, it is usually more complex and more expensive than well-known alternatives such as The Duke or Ferdinand's. If you are new to premium gin, try it in a simple gin and tonic first, then neat over one large ice cube to taste the full range of botanicals.

Key specs

Style

Schwarzwald (Black Forest) Dry Gin

ABV

47% (94 proof)

Botanicals

47, around one third sourced from the Black Forest

Bottle sizes

500 ml and 700 ml, depending on market

Base

Molasses-based neutral spirit and soft Black Forest spring water

Maturation

About 100 days in earthenware vessels

Producer

Black Forest Distillers, Germany; majority-owned by Pernod Ricard

Launched

2010

Alternatives to consider

• The Duke Munich Dry Gin: An organic Bavarian gin with a more classic juniper profile at a lower price.
• Ferdinand's Saar Dry Gin: A German gin infused with Riesling for a softer, fruitier style.
• Hendrick's Gin: A widely available Scottish gin with cucumber and rose notes for lighter tonics.

Frequently asked questions

Monkey 47 has earned its cult status. Its bright citrus, forest and spice notes, careful production and strong personality make it one of the most interesting gins you can buy in 2026. It is not cheap and it is not subtle, but for a special gin and tonic or a crisp martini, it is hard to beat. Please enjoy it responsibly.

How we research: Reviews are based on the maker’s specifications, published independent tests and owner reports. Scores compare the product with others in its class.