Gin boom has seen more than doubling of UK distilleries over the last five year to 315. 49 new distillers have opened in 2017, according customs figures. What do you know about tasting good gin? Amy Wislocki reached out to experts for their advice…
A refreshing gin & Tonic can be the best way to celebrate the end of a hard day. And there is more choice than ever in the UK.
Even English wineries have started to get involved. Chapel Down launched a grape-based spirit and Foxhole Spirits at Bolney Estate.
How do you best enjoy gin? Three people who work for premium brands of gin gave us their tips.
The glass
First, let’s talk about the glass. It seems the traditional highball doesn’t cut it – it’s equivalent to the Paris goblet of wine world.
Copa is being used more often in Spain because it offers more space for swirling and sniffing.
Tom Warner, of Warner Edwards, likes to have his G&T in a large glass of red wine.
He stated that while you still have enough volume for ice, tonic and gin, it gives me a better tasting experience in terms of flavour and aroma.
Don’t let your nose be blind
You should first taste gin at room temperatures, then neatly.
Brockmans UK ambassador Mike Whatmough said that it will enable the nuances of the Gin to be more evident, while the alcohol will feel stronger. “But always drink, don’t take pictures – take your sweet time.”
Warner warns that you should not sniff neat samples too much and can make you “nose blind”.
What to look out for when you are looking at the palate
‘Gin is often strong-flavored, so it’s not necessary to draw air through the liquid. But rolling the spirit around your mouth before swallowing will give you the opportunity to taste it fully.
Whatmough stated, “In a comparable way to wine tasting you are looking for balance (in the case of this particular botanical), length and complexity.
“You should feel like you are on a journey between top and bottom notes. When distilled well, gin should be smooth and warm when it is poured neat. What happens when it is mixed with tonic water? Do the botanicals get overwhelmed by quinine? Or do they blend well to make a refreshing and rounded drink.
Dominic Limbrey from D1 London Gin stated that you should look for a clear flavor profile that can distinguish the botanical components. A high-quality base spirit will provide a clear background. Lower-quality spirits will have a burning sensation on the palate.
Limbrey says low-calorie, or no-calorie, tonic is best for tasting tonic. “The full-fat sugar in tonic can reduce the flavor profile.”
Do it yourself
You can have your own tastings by trying a variety gins with different botanical combinations.
Distillers are increasingly publishing details about the botanicals used in craft gin, even though they keep the exact recipes secret.
This allows you to experiment with garnishes which complement the botanicals in your gin.
Visit our site for Filey gin tasting.