Here's a twist: Right Gin, which debuted in Boston last month, was created by two entrepreneurs who had always hated gin. W.L. Lyons Brown and Cory H. Isaacson had sampled gin for years in an effort to enjoy it, but the drink's heavy, lingering aftertaste always turned them off. So the duo set out to give the classic spirit a much-needed makeover - but though they had the palate, the guys lacked the know-how. They took on two professionals, dubbed "The Minister" and "The Chairman," and set off on a worldwide whirlwind of tests, tweaks, and tastings. The winning combination? Soft water from a lake in the south of Sweden; corn, five times distilled; and a blend of botanicals, both classic (juniper, coriander leaf, and cardamom) and unexpected (Sarawak black pepper from Borneo). The gin that results has a crisp, clean finish that keeps it versatile as a cocktail ingredient, but also stands its ground solo. Taste for yourself at Via Matta (79 Park Plaza, Boston, 617.422.0008), or take home a bottle ($39.99) from Liquor World (13 White Street, Cambridge, 617.547.3110).
