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Thread: Gin...A few recommendations please

  1. #1

    Gin...A few recommendations please

    Hi,

    I enjoy a G&T or three now and then, but don't admit to being a cultured Gin expert. I drink mainly Tanqueray or Tanquerary 10, Hendricks or towards the end of the month a Gordons. Not a Bombay Sapphire fan as I find it too fragrant. My mixer of choice is Fever tree light

    So, can I ask any other gin lovers out there for favourite brands, best mixers and/or best recipes, so i can expand my limited horizons

    Thanks
    John

  2. #2
    Master village's Avatar
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    Try Twisted Nose...it's made in Winchester and uses,amongst other things,watercress. You drink it with a twist of grapefruit....it's a really refreshing taste and a bit different to most gins I find.

  3. #3
    Grand Master PickleB's Avatar
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    Two pages here: Gin and tonic

  4. #4
    Grand Master andrewcregan's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by johnboy9876 View Post
    Tanqueray or Tanquerary 10
    Sorry to go slightly off topic straight away, but these are presently on offer on Amazon

    Not a fan of Gin myself, but it seems incredibly popular.

  5. #5
    Master trisdg's Avatar
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    The best is Plymouth. No. 3 is great, as well as Sipsmith. I personally can't stand Hendricks or Bombay

    Usually have a bottle of Beefeater or Tanqueray in the arsenal

  6. #6
    Master
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    Recently bought Six O'Clock Gin from Waitrose - really smooth and goes well with Fever Tree.

    Other ones that I like are Brecon - again, really smooth. You can get it in Wales for sure, but not sure about other parts of the UK.

    Another fave is Edwards and there is always Sipsmiths as well.

    Gin is a great journey....

  7. #7

  8. #8
    Wow, six replies in just ten minutes! very impressed, thank you all for contributing. Is it the time of year or the state we all find ourselves in that seems to make Gin
    a very popular drink at the moment?

    I will definitely try some of your idea (I like the sound of the Six o'clock gin) and feedback to you

  9. #9
    Master KavKav's Avatar
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    Shows how tastes differ, love Hendricks with Fever Tree, hate Sipsmiths!

  10. #10
    Master
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    A slice of cucumber is the key, according to the wife.

  11. #11
    Master
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    Also, I have found that Waitrose seem to have the widest selection (in store at least) of the big supermarkets around us. If you have a My Waitrose card then there are sometimes deals on (like 10-20% off).


    We shop for food at Sainsburys and Tesco and gin we get from Waitrose!

  12. #12
    Craftsman
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    Plymouth is my fav, but nothing wrong with good old Gordons, did have a bottle of bathtub which was different but very nice in fact the bottle did not last the afternoon. ( 4 people)

  13. #13
    Grand Master Foxy100's Avatar
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    If you haven't already, try Fever Tree's Mediterranean tonic.
    "A man of little significance"

  14. #14
    My current favourite is Opihr, an oriental gin, it's perfect with a slice of root ginger!

    https://www.masterofmalt.com/gin/g-a...al-spiced-gin/

  15. #15
    Quote Originally Posted by Foxy100 View Post
    If you haven't already, try Fever Tree's Mediterranean tonic.
    ^^^^ do this!

    My favourite gins are:

    Monkey 47 (German)
    Sipsmith
    Botanist (Scottish)
    Martin Millar
    Edinburgh Rhubard and ginger gin (lower strength but very summery)

    The wife likes:
    Sipsmith
    Beefeater 24
    Martin Millar

    Heard good things about Rock Rose but not tried it yet!

  16. #16
    Craftsman
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    A very tiny splash of elderflower cordial in a gin and tonic transforms it, don't over do it.

  17. #17
    Master
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    Another vote for Sipsmith, I'm not fussy but had it for the first time quite recently and was very impressed!

  18. #18
    East London Distilling (E3)
    Sacred Gin (N6) (the distillates are interesting)
    Jensen's (Bermondsey) (try his Old Tom)
    City of London Distillery (the City)
    Sipsmiths' VJOP
    Tanqueray Bloomsbury

    Blackwood's (Shetland)
    Rock Rose (Dunnet Bay)
    Caorunn
    Crossbill (Aviemore)
    Old Raj (Campbeltown, ish. Try the 55%, or the Saffron)
    Last edited by Broussard; 12th July 2016 at 21:38.

  19. #19
    Craftsman
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    There are not many I dont like, some I prefer more than others.

    On the shelf today some Tanqueray, Hendricks and Foxdenton 48. I usually buy a few bottles of different Foxdenton gin at xmas, I really like their Sloe and other fruit gins...it goes down too well though ;)

    http://www.foxdentonestate.co.uk/

  20. #20
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by demonloop View Post
    A slice of cucumber is the key, according to the wife.
    This with Hendricks really works !

  21. #21
    Master Tifa's Avatar
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    Another vote for the Botanist.
    Distilled at the Bruichladdich distillery, Nr Port Charlotte, Islay.
    It has a far higher ABV than most gins.
    Highly recommended

  22. #22
    I've had and liked nearly all of the above but I'm really liking a Canadian Gin called Ungava which my son bought me for Father's Day. Try and get to a Gin festival if there's one local to you this year as there'll be 40 odd gins to try, the Sheffield Gin Festival for later this year sold out very quickly

  23. #23
    Grand Master Chinnock's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by paw3001 View Post
    ^^^^ do this!

    My favourite gins are:

    Monkey 47 (German)
    Sipsmith
    Botanist (Scottish)
    Martin Millar
    Edinburgh Rhubard and ginger gin (lower strength but very summery)

    The wife likes:
    Sipsmith
    Beefeater 24
    Martin Millar

    Heard good things about Rock Rose but not tried it yet!
    Just discovered this at The Gin Trap on holiday in North Norfolk - I'm addicted!!
    Last edited by Chinnock; 12th July 2016 at 22:48.

  24. #24
    Craftsman
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    Brilliant Gin

    Warner Edwards

    Bathtub Gin

    All available from Majestic Wine, love em all.

  25. #25
    Master
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    Waitrose Premium gin isn't bad at all, especially for the price. Is it worth paying more when not drunk straight?

  26. #26
    One of my current favourites:

  27. #27
    Master
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    I've just finished a bottle of Cannonball Navy Gin from the Edinburgh Gin Distillery and it goes very well with Fever Tree tonic, It's 100 Proof but doesnt taste it so I've another bottle or two coming.

  28. #28
    Grand Master Passenger's Avatar
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    Recently been trying the slice of cucumber alone or along with a slice of lemon and it really adds something I find; opens up the gin more somehow. This is with sub 10 euro cheap gins, we´re not fussy;) So should work well with pricier gins.

  29. #29
    Hendricks or Tanqueray No 10 are always popular in my house

  30. #30
    My wife is currently on Rock Rose gin, with Fever tree and a sprig of fresh rosemary, she says it's very moreish.

  31. #31
    Journeyman
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    I've seen them mentioned already so another vote for The Botanist and Canonball...

    Another one to look out for is Sipsmiths VJOP (Very Junipery Over Proof), it's very good indeed!

  32. #32
    Quote Originally Posted by Chinnock View Post
    Just discovered this at The Gin Trap on holiday in North Norfolk - I'm addicted!!
    You could always make your own, it's rather satisfying.

    Most of the store-bought gins appear to have far too much sugar in for my liking, so I take thumb-sized pieces of fresh, washed rhubarb, and place in a bag (500g is plenty for a 70cl bottle of gin). To this, I add a couple of scant teaspoonsful of sugar (vary to taste, but you can always add more - much harder to take it away). I also add lemon peel, orange peel, or other citrus, usually to match the gin.

    I seal the bag having first removed the air (I use a vacuum sealer, but ziplock works fine, using the water method) and place in the fridge for a few days. I give it a little massage each time I pass the fridge. After three days, there's likely to be some liquid in the bag (due to the macerating effect of the sugar) and I add the whole thing to a Kilner and pour over the chosen bottle of gin. Don't forget to wash out the bag with gin, as there will be rhubarb juice in there.

    I leave this for a day and then double filter and bottle the rhubarb gin. The colour is far more subtle than store-bought bottlings. You can also cook the rhubarb slightly (a water bath at about 60 degrees for 20 minutes should be enough) and this will extract even more juice (you may not even need to leave the fruit in the Kilner using this method, as so much of the juice has come out of the rhubarb). You'll get a darker colour too.

    I keep my rhubarb gin in the fridge. Makes an interesting gin & tonic, a lovely Rickey and is an unusual base for a Negroni (especially if you use a rhubarbero such as Zucca in place of the vermouth).

  33. #33
    Grand Master Chinnock's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Broussard View Post
    You could always make your own, it's rather satisfying.

    Most of the store-bought gins appear to have far too much sugar in for my liking, so I take thumb-sized pieces of fresh, washed rhubarb, and place in a bag (500g is plenty for a 70cl bottle of gin). To this, I add a couple of scant teaspoonsful of sugar (vary to taste, but you can always add more - much harder to take it away). I also add lemon peel, orange peel, or other citrus, usually to match the gin.

    I seal the bag having first removed the air (I use a vacuum sealer, but ziplock works fine, using the water method) and place in the fridge for a few days. I give it a little massage each time I pass the fridge. After three days, there's likely to be some liquid in the bag (due to the macerating effect of the sugar) and I add the whole thing to a Kilner and pour over the chosen bottle of gin. Don't forget to wash out the bag with gin, as there will be rhubarb juice in there.

    I leave this for a day and then double filter and bottle the rhubarb gin. The colour is far more subtle than store-bought bottlings. You can also cook the rhubarb slightly (a water bath at about 60 degrees for 20 minutes should be enough) and this will extract even more juice (you may not even need to leave the fruit in the Kilner using this method, as so much of the juice has come out of the rhubarb). You'll get a darker colour too.

    I keep my rhubarb gin in the fridge. Makes an interesting gin & tonic, a lovely Rickey and is an unusual base for a Negroni (especially if you use a rhubarbero such as Zucca in place of the vermouth).
    Much appreciated, look forward to giving it a "bash!"

  34. #34
    Brockmans...that's all!!

  35. #35
    Journeyman
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    There's a small batch producer of gin called "Black Shuck" local to us in Norfolk. Yet to try it but there is a bottle awaiting my attention in the kitchen.

  36. #36
    Quote Originally Posted by paw3001 View Post
    ^^^^ do this!

    My favourite gins are:

    Monkey 47 (German)
    Sipsmith
    Botanist (Scottish)
    Martin Millar
    Edinburgh Rhubard and ginger gin (lower strength but very summery)

    The wife likes:
    Sipsmith
    Beefeater 24
    Martin Millar

    Heard good things about Rock Rose but not tried it yet!
    Rock Rose is from the village my dad lives in, well worth a try

  37. #37
    Craftsman
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    Current favourites are Yorkshire Gin, Tanqeuray Rangpur and Hendricks. I also like a Shortcross but it helps that it's made not far from where I grew up

  38. #38
    Thanks for all of the suggestions s far. Have been trying a couple of different ones, really like Sipsmith, Beefeater 24 and Gordons crisp with cucumber and the weather's even turned warmer to encourage me to try others!

    So, my next question is, do any of you have any suggestions for the perfect G&T glasses? Had a browse on Google, but would welcome your thoughts

    John

  39. #39
    Some good suggestions.

    One recommendation - always check the proof.

    I find regular Gins (37.5%) little good for anything other than making home-made sloe, raspberry, or lavender gin, of which I have quite a hoard currently maturing!

    Regular Beefeater is 40%, as are many of the so-called "Premium" gins. Waitrose and Tesco both do very quaffable versions.

    For drinking I try to go for Export strength (47.3%) or stronger, and Tanquerey by preference. If I want a botanical I'll opt for Mason's Yorkshire or William's Gin from Chase Distillery in Hereford, but in the absence of those Sipsmith is fine.

    I've still got an original bottle of Beefeater Crown Jewel (50%) in the garage, which should be worth a try!

  40. #40
    Master tiny73's Avatar
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    On the theme of being moorish, try Gin Mare with a sprig of rosemary and fever tree tonic.

  41. #41
    Master
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    I tried three of the "5th Gin" variants at a local festival and quite liked them. All made with slight variations and named Fire, Water and Earth - nice of you just have it with tonic water but I often have mine with bitter lemon.

    Bathtub Gin always goes down well, and I see they've just made a Navy Strength version (57% ABV) which gets 5/5 on the Master of Malt site. Looking forward to trying that one!

  42. #42
    Master village's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by johnboy9876 View Post

    So, my next question is, do any of you have any suggestions for the perfect G&T glasses?

    John
    Tbh I'm not overly fussed as it doesn't tend to hang around long,whatever the glass it is served in! However,given a choice I prefer a balloon type glass in order to encourage a better mix of ingredients (at least that's what I claim!)

  43. #43
    Quote Originally Posted by village View Post
    Tbh I'm not overly fussed as it doesn't tend to hang around long,whatever the glass it is served in! However,given a choice I prefer a balloon type glass in order to encourage a better mix of ingredients (at least that's what I claim!)
    I've been the same about it not hanging around fr too long, so I've been using s Becks Vier Pint glass ;)


    I like your idea of a balloon glass for the mix, will have to try that tonight

  44. #44
    Craftsman
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    Had a G&T with Pierde Almas +9 last night, was a mind opening experience. Its a Gin where the base spirit is artisanal Mezcal, not Vodka. The layers of smoke and grass added this whole new dimension to the typical gin botanicals. Great cocktail.


  45. #45
    Master
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    Two Irish gins worth trying, if you come across them, are Glendalough and Bertha's Revenge; both very good.

    Decent tonic water is a must; Fevertree or Poacher's Well hit the spot nicely.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Two Irish gins worth trying, if you come across them, are Glendalough and Bertha's Revenge; both very good.

    Decent tonic water is a must; Fevertree or Poacher's Well hit the spot nicely.

  46. #46
    Master
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    Tried Sipsmiths last night but don't like it anywhere near as much as Aldi's Oliver Cromwell. At £27 a bottle instead of £10 I certainly won't be getting it again.

  47. #47
    Grand Master Passenger's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jcm3 View Post
    Had a G&T with Pierde Almas +9 last night, was a mind opening experience. Its a Gin where the base spirit is artisanal Mezcal, not Vodka. The layers of smoke and grass added this whole new dimension to the typical gin botanicals. Great cocktail.

    That sounds interesting.

  48. #48
    Quote Originally Posted by Cynar View Post
    Tried Sipsmiths last night but don't like it anywhere near as much as Aldi's Oliver Cromwell. At £27 a bottle instead of £10 I certainly won't be getting it again.
    Thanks for the tip on the Aldi one, at that price it's got to be worth a try

  49. #49
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    1) never buy watered down (38%) gin
    2) many gins are excellent, your choice will be guided by your own taste. Tanqueray is lovely and dry, best served on its own and kept in the freezer. For a mix I like more floral gins luke Sipsmith, Cao Run or Plymouth.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  50. #50
    Master
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    Wife tried the Monkey 47 in Dublin the other night, and thought it trumped all the others she has tried.

    With John Thomas (I think) tonic mixer, and a slice of orange

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