It won’t surprise you to know that I believe that the aesthetics of the environment we live in influence our lives much more than the modern world likes to acknowledge. A beautiful environment makes a more beautiful life. There are myriad ways to enhance the aesthetics of everyday objects, and I love it when producers choose to do it. Melbourne gin producer Little Lon puts a little smile on my face each time I step into my pantry and see the bottle of Constable Proudfoot gin on the shelf. The label is a wonderfully detailed scene of Melbourne in the late 1800s. In amongst the buildings, the streets are bustling with people going about their daily life. Look closely and you’ll see a couple having a cheeky kiss in the street, a brood of chickens down a lane, a hatted gentleman pushing a cartload of barrels, an orange tree, a woman watering her lettuces … It’s a tiny hive of activity!

The bottle also – and very importantly – houses a very tasty gin. It’s savoury and dry, with a generous bunch of rosemary, a juniper backbone and some spicy undertones. I like it straight, but you might prefer a splash of soda or tonic in yours. Cheers!