Monkey 47 is a gin for the curious and the connoisseur alike. Intricate, layered and famously complex, it rewards a slow, attentive sip. At Grappa, we pour it for guests who want to linger over something special, a spirit with as much depth as a fine wine.

About the Distillery

Monkey 47 hails from Germany’s Black Forest, the Schwarzwald, where it is distilled in small batches at the Black Forest Distillery. Its origins trace back to a British Air Force commander, Montgomery Collins, who settled in the region after the war and ran a guesthouse called The Wild Monkey, the inspiration for both the name and the playful monkey on the label. Today the gin is celebrated worldwide for its craftsmanship and its remarkable botanical complexity.

Botanicals & Style

As the name suggests, Monkey 47 is built from 47 botanicals, many of them foraged from the Black Forest itself, including spruce shoots, lingonberries, sloe berries, elderflower and bramble leaves. These are macerated and distilled in traditional copper stills, then rested before bottling. The style is dense and aromatic, layering forest fruit, herbs, citrus and spice into something intricate yet harmonious. It is a gin that unfolds slowly, revealing new notes with every sip.

Tasting Notes

The nose is juniper-forward and lifted with bright citrus, herbal sage and thyme, and a hint of pine. The palate is wonderfully complex, weaving tart lingonberry and cranberry through black pepper, floral notes and a cool, green freshness. The finish is long, layered and lingering, the kind that invites another taste just to map it all out.

What to Pair It With

Its complexity makes Monkey 47 a rewarding aperitif. We love it with the Spaniard Octopus, where the gin’s herbal depth meets the smoky char, and with Pesto Mussels, whose basil and brine play beautifully off its forest botanicals. It is also a fine companion to Fresh Oysters. Explore the full dine-in menu for more.

How It’s Served at Grappa

At Grappa, Monkey 47 is poured neat, over ice, or built into a classic cocktail by our bar for $18. Given its complexity, many guests enjoy it neat or simply on the rocks to let every botanical speak.

FAQ

Where is it from?

Monkey 47 is distilled in Germany’s Black Forest, the Schwarzwald, at the Black Forest Distillery.

What does it taste like?

It is complex and aromatic, with juniper, bright citrus, herbal sage and thyme, tart lingonberry and a long, layered finish.

Why is it called Monkey 47?

The 47 refers to the 47 botanicals used in the recipe, while the monkey comes from a Black Forest guesthouse named The Wild Monkey tied to its founder’s story.

When you are ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and the dine-in menu.