MONKEY 47 Reveals Limited-Release Distiller’s Cut 2026 Gin, Discovering Oyster Mushroom as This Year’s ‘Species Rara’
This year’s search for the legendary 48th botanical in MONKEY 47’s Distiller’s Cut led the Black Forest Distillers to the centuries-old vaulted cellars of the historic Wilhelmsburg fortress in Ulm, Southern Germany.
MONKEY 47, the ultra-premium dry gin from Germany’s Black Forest, has announced the release of its annual Distiller’s Cut, with a limited number of bottles available via a raffle from today. For sixteen years, MONKEY 47 has embarked on an annual search for something extraordinary. Driven by an uncompromising pursuit of remarkable ingredients, the brand searches for a ‘Species Rara’, the one exceptional ingredient worthy of becoming the 48th botanical.
For 2026, this search led MONKEY 47 to the historic Wilhelmsburg fortress in Ulm, southern Germany, the home region of MONKEY 47, and to an unexpected discovery growing within its vaulted cellar spaces: the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). The distinctive ingredient’s umami flavours bring savoury complexity to MONKEY 47’s signature combination of botanicals.
On the palate, MONKEY 47 Distiller’s Cut 2026 is spicy yet elegant, with a delicate hint of anise, rounded off by subtle nutty notes. These flavours are set against the beloved flavours of MONKEY 47’s Schwarzwald Dry Gin – including juniper, grapefruit peels and lingonberries – which results in a layered and intriguing drinking experience that invites exploration. Not only for dedicated mushroom lovers, MONKEY 47’s Distiller’s Cut 2026 offers something curious and exciting for bartenders and gin enthusiasts alike.
MONKEY 47 sourced oyster mushrooms from local German company Burgpilz, who cultivate their mushrooms with passion, expert craftsmanship and sustainability at the heart. It was imperative to MONKEY 47 they work with a partner whose values align with theirs, and who also celebrate the people, craftsmanship and provenance behind extraordinary ingredients. The vaulted cellar spaces within the Wilhelmsburg fortress provide the right conditions for growing the mushrooms sustainably, and once ready they are woven into MONKEY 47’s specially developed maceration and distillation process to create the finished product.
The story of this year’s Species Rara continues beyond the liquid. The collectible MONKEY 47 Distiller’s Cut 2026 bottle features an elegant brown label with metallic foil embellishments and an embossed finish inspired by the texture of the oyster mushroom. The signature ring adorning the bottle cork is engraved with ex pluribus unum – Latin for ‘one out of many’ – is gold-coated for the annual limited release. The accompanying gift box features MONKEY 47’s distinctive wallpaper in a unique colourway created specifically for this year’s edition and is crafted from FSC-certified paper.
Alexander Stein, founder of MONKEY 47, said: “As every year, the motivation remains the same: sensory curiosity. It is not simply about finding a new ingredient. It is about discovering remarkable stories behind remarkable ingredients. The Burgpilz oyster mushroom gave us both: a fascinating botanical and authentic people whose dedication reflects the values that have shaped MONKEY 47 from the very beginning.”
Francesco Ottaviano, Vice President for Gins and Aperitifs, Pernod Ricard, said: “This year’s 48th botanical reflects our ambition to break the mold and, with a specially selected ingredient, create a limited-release liquid that stimulates the senses and makes the hearts of mixologists and MONKEY 47 lovers beat a little faster. The Distiller’s Cut has always exemplified our relentless pursuit of curiosity, bold creativity and obsessive craftsmanship, and this year is no exception. The 2026 limited release pushes the boundaries of convention and brings a unique flavour our brand fans will love. Consider getting your own bottle before it’s gone!”MONKEY 47 Distiller’s Cut is bottled at 47% ABV and available in a 500ml bottle at an RSP of €79.95. As with every Distiller’s Cut, only a limited number of bottles have been produced, and they will be available for purchase via Raffle starting 6 October 2026, with sign up to enter via the MONKEY 47 webshop: www.monkeykiosk.com. It will be available in select markets; geographical restrictions may apply.
The MONKEY 47 Distiller’s Cut 2026 Bloody Mushroom
Rich in umami and layered with earthy, savoury, and intriguingly complex flavours, the Bloody Mushroom is the perfect match for this year’s Distiller’s Cut 2026 liquid and its pure umami flavour. Cheers!
Ingredients
- 40ml MONKEY 47 Distiller‘s Cut 2026
- 10ml Sherry Fino
- Bloody Mushroom mix:
- 80ml tomato juice
- 30ml beetroot juice
- 20ml pickled mushroom juice
- 2ml soy sauce
- Wasabi paste
- Pepper mix
- Large ice cube
- Toasted pickled oyster mushroom with black sesame to garnish
Instructions:
Chill a tumbler glass with ice. Add all ingredients to a shaker, fill with ice, then roll between shaker tins for 15 seconds. Discard the ice from the glass, add a large ice cube, and strain the drink over it.
Crown with the toasted pickled oyster mushroom with black sesame to garnish.
About MONKEY 47
Through masterly distillation and a maturation period of approximately 100 days in traditional earthenware vessels, the goodness of the 47 meticulously selected botanicals, sourced in part from the Black Forest and from select regions where climatic conditions allow for the finest quality, is brought fully to bear in Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin. Admittedly, it appears somewhat eccentric to claim that a recipe for gin has the power to unite great British traditions, with the spices of India, and the rich natural landscape of the Black Forest. And yet it is precisely this eccentricity that is found in the unparalleled attention to detail that is put into making our handcrafted and small batch distilled Schwarzwald Dry Gin. Aficionados, bartenders and connoisseurs of the world have come to appreciate the incredible complexity and harmony of a ‘wunderbar’ gin, which has consistently been voted among the Top Trending Gins in Drinks International‘s Brand Report.
About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and champagne industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art brand development, and global distribution technologies. Our prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands includes Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur and Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes. Our mission is to ensure the long-term growth of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive and responsible culture of authentic conviviality. Pernod Ricard’s consolidated sales amounted to €10,959 million in fiscal year FY25. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.
