“A prefect martini should be made by filling a glass with gin then waving it in the general direction of Italy” – Noel Coward
It all started with Gordon’s, Schweppes, ice and a slice; my first love, I was infatuated. I stuck dutifully with her for a while but then began to tire and started flirting with newer, trendier tipples. But I always came slinking back, albeit rather reluctantly. But then I was introduced to Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire and gin based cocktails and my enthusiasm was refired. And when I discovered artisinal gins and started experimenting with different tonics and garnishes, there was no turning back.
It could be said, and has been by some cruel folk, that I research my chosen subject a little to assiduously. But I am prepared to push myself to the limit for you, dear reader. I have sampled, and will continue to sample, many a gin to assist in making a choice of what to drink, and where to drink it.
The variety these days is bewildering; there are vast numbers of gins on the market and more being added weekly. Gin is fashionable, some of them are expensive and too quirky for many, some are stunning. There is also a danger that when things get too fashionable every man and his dog will jump on the bandwagon and push out an inferior product. I will attempt to guide and inform, and learn myself at the same time; all with a dash of humour and humility. Cheers!
“I used to jog but the ice cubes kept falling out of my glass” – David Lee Roth