Amazzoni Rio Negro Gin arrives with a name that immediately signals ambition. Named after the largest tributary of the Amazon, this is a London Dry that wants you to think about place — about the vast botanical wealth of the Brazilian rainforest. At 51% ABV, it sits firmly in overproof territory, a decision that suggests the distillers want every botanical to punch through, even when ice and tonic come into play.
Style & Character
As a London Dry, Amazzoni Rio Negro follows the classic rulebook: juniper-forward, no added flavourings post-distillation, and a clean, structured spirit at its core. But that 51% ABV lifts it into a different bracket. This isn't a gin that fades into a long drink. It holds its ground. The higher strength gives it real presence in the glass — you can feel the weight of it before you even take a sip.
What makes this bottle interesting is the tension between tradition and origin. London Dry is a style born in England, yet Amazzoni roots its identity in the Amazon basin. That contrast is deliberate. You're getting the discipline of a classic gin style with the suggestion of something wilder underneath. At £42.95, it's priced at the premium end, but the overproof strength means you're getting more intensity per measure than a standard 40% bottle.
Verdict
I'm giving Amazzoni Rio Negro an 8/10. It earns its place on the shelf through sheer confidence — the elevated ABV, the evocative branding, and the commitment to London Dry integrity. A gin that rewards curiosity.
Best served with a generous pour over a single large ice cube, topped with an East Imperial yuzu tonic and a twist of pink grapefruit peel. The citrus brightness will complement that overproof backbone beautifully.
