A new gin is challenging convention by bringing mathematics into the distillation process. Aureus Vita, or Golden Way of Life, is the creation of chemist-turned-master-distiller John Hall, founder of Trevethan Distillery, who has applied the Fibonacci sequence – the golden ratio that governs many forms in nature and art – to every stage of production.
Aureus Vita Fibonacci Dry Gin is distilled using what Hall calls the Fibonacci-Hall Method, a patent-pending process developed over several years of experimentation. The method applies the golden ratio (1:1.618) to the design of the still, the balance of botanicals, and even the proportions of water and alcohol, resulting in what Hall describes as “mathematical taste perfection.”
And well it might. The composer Béla Bartók incorporated Fibonacci proportions into music. The experimental Danish poet Inger Christensen used a Fibonacci structure for the great poem Alphabet, and the sequence is repeated throughout nature in flowers, plants, seeds. So, thought Hall, why not apply the same golden ratio to gin?
Bottled at 61.8% ABV, Aureus Vita is positioned firmly in the super-premium category. Only one batch is distilled each year, reflecting the natural rhythm of harvest and the seasonal character of its ingredients.
Aureus Vita takes the structure of a classic London Dry and evolves it through chemistry and geometry. Its two signature botanicals, juniper and baobab pulp, are harvested in November and used within three months to ensure maximum brightness and depth of flavour. The result is a richer, more viscous gin with a flavour sequence that unfolds in ten distinct notes rather than the two or three typical of traditional gins.
“The goal was to challenge what people think gin can be,” says its Cornwall-based creator. “I wanted to create something that combines science, craftsmanship and the natural patterns that surround us.”
Aureus Vita takes the structure of a classic London Dry and evolves it through chemistry and geometry…
Aureus Vita gin cocktails
While Aureus Vita has been designed for sipping, it lends itself well to creative serves. Among the recommended cocktails are:
Rivers of Gold – a precisely balanced Wet Martini using the golden ratio itself (1.618:1). Specifically, 1.618 parts (56.5ml) Frozen Aureus Vita, one part (35 ml) Dry Vermouth (chilled) And two drops of Citrus Bitters. Stirred over ice for 12 seconds, and then strained into a chilled. Nick & Nora glass with a lemon spiral garnish. Admittedly, working out the exact measures could prove a challenge.
The Golden Martini – a twist on the modern martini that builds on both phi and the Fibonacci sequence. It’s one part (60ml) frozen Aureus Vita, blended and infused with Vermouth (to drinker’s preference). Wet the ice with the required amount of chilled Vermouth and strain. Add the frozen Aureus Vita and stir for 16 seconds and fine strain into a Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a spiral of citrus fruit.
The AV Martini – an ultra-dry, spirit-only serve that highlights the gin’s complexity without dilution. One part (75ml) frozen Aureus Vita, stirred over ice for 25 seconds for extra dilution.
AV & Tonic – a slow-sipping G&T designed to linger, with the gin poured last to preserve the clarity of flavour. Expect exponential notes of blackcurrant and liquorice.
Aureus Vita Fibonacci Dry Gin is priced at £169 and is available from Fortnum & Mason, London, and fortnumandmason.com.
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A new gin is challenging convention by bringing mathematics into the distillation process. Aureus Vita, or Golden Way of Life, is the creation of chemist-turned-master-distiller John Hall, founder of Trevethan Distillery, who has applied the Fibonacci sequence – the golden ratio that governs many forms in nature and art – to every stage of production.
Aureus Vita Fibonacci Dry Gin is distilled using what Hall calls the Fibonacci-Hall Method, a patent-pending process developed over several years of experimentation. The method applies the golden ratio (1:1.618) to the design of the still, the balance of botanicals, and even the proportions of water and alcohol, resulting in what Hall describes as “mathematical taste perfection.”
And well it might. The composer Béla Bartók incorporated Fibonacci proportions into music. The experimental Danish poet Inger Christensen used a Fibonacci structure for the great poem Alphabet, and the sequence is repeated throughout nature in flowers, plants, seeds. So, thought Hall, why not apply the same golden ratio to gin?
Bottled at 61.8% ABV, Aureus Vita is positioned firmly in the super-premium category. Only one batch is distilled each year, reflecting the natural rhythm of harvest and the seasonal character of its ingredients.
Aureus Vita takes the structure of a classic London Dry and evolves it through chemistry and geometry. Its two signature botanicals, juniper and baobab pulp, are harvested in November and used within three months to ensure maximum brightness and depth of flavour. The result is a richer, more viscous gin with a flavour sequence that unfolds in ten distinct notes rather than the two or three typical of traditional gins.
“The goal was to challenge what people think gin can be,” says its Cornwall-based creator. “I wanted to create something that combines science, craftsmanship and the natural patterns that surround us.”
Aureus Vita gin cocktails
While Aureus Vita has been designed for sipping, it lends itself well to creative serves. Among the recommended cocktails are:
Rivers of Gold – a precisely balanced Wet Martini using the golden ratio itself (1.618:1). Specifically, 1.618 parts (56.5ml) Frozen Aureus Vita, one part (35 ml) Dry Vermouth (chilled) And two drops of Citrus Bitters. Stirred over ice for 12 seconds, and then strained into a chilled. Nick & Nora glass with a lemon spiral garnish. Admittedly, working out the exact measures could prove a challenge.
The Golden Martini – a twist on the modern martini that builds on both phi and the Fibonacci sequence. It’s one part (60ml) frozen Aureus Vita, blended and infused with Vermouth (to drinker’s preference). Wet the ice with the required amount of chilled Vermouth and strain. Add the frozen Aureus Vita and stir for 16 seconds and fine strain into a Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a spiral of citrus fruit.
The AV Martini – an ultra-dry, spirit-only serve that highlights the gin’s complexity without dilution. One part (75ml) frozen Aureus Vita, stirred over ice for 25 seconds for extra dilution.
AV & Tonic – a slow-sipping G&T designed to linger, with the gin poured last to preserve the clarity of flavour. Expect exponential notes of blackcurrant and liquorice.
Aureus Vita Fibonacci Dry Gin is priced at £169 and is available from Fortnum & Mason, London, and fortnumandmason.com.
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A new limited-edition English single malt brings together ex-maple syrup and Oloroso casks with a subtle hint of peat. Introducing Cotswolds Distillery’s Round Hill Harvest, the fifth expression in its popular Harvest Series. Comprising 1,200 bottles, the release marries whisky matured in ex-maple syrup casks with Spanish oak Oloroso hogsheads. The resulting dram is rich…
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