Retribution Just Juniper Soundings Gin is a London Dry that does exactly what its name promises — it puts juniper front and centre, which is something I always respect in a crowded market where the classic botanical can sometimes feel like an afterthought. At 44% ABV, it sits in that sweet spot just above the minimum for a London Dry, giving the spirit enough backbone to carry its botanical character without tipping into heat.
A Juniper-Forward Philosophy
The clue is right there in the name: "Just Juniper Soundings" tells you this is a gin built around the defining berry of the category. London Dry as a classification demands that juniper leads, and Retribution appears to have taken that mandate seriously. This is the kind of gin that reminds you why juniper became the soul of the spirit in the first place — that resinous, pine-fresh, slightly peppery character that has defined gin for centuries.
At 44%, the distillers have chosen an ABV that allows the botanicals to express themselves with clarity. It is strong enough to stand up in a cocktail without being lost, yet approachable enough for those who prefer their gin with minimal intervention. I would rate this a solid 7.3 out of 10 — it is a well-constructed London Dry that honours tradition, though without confirmed details on its full botanical bill or distillery provenance, it is hard to fully appreciate the craft behind the bottle.
Best Served
A juniper-forward gin like this is magnificent in a classic Martini — I would go three-to-one with a dry vermouth, stirred over ice for a good thirty seconds, and finished with a lemon twist expressed over the surface. The citrus oils from the twist will complement that piney juniper beautifully. For something longer, a simple G&T with a premium Indian tonic and a sprig of rosemary makes a lovely pairing, letting the juniper do the talking.
