Any gin drinkers here?

[jpr9954]

I like my gin and tonics. I have started to collect a few bottles of gin, especially craft gin, in my travels around the US.

I understand that there are a number of craft gin distilleries in South Africa. I thought I might take back a bottle or two when I go to the Eastern Cape in June.

I have asked elsewhere but thought here might be the place where I'd find a number of people who had actually been to South Africa (or live there) and could make good recommendations. Elsewhere I've been told I should look for any of the Inverroche gins, Six Dogs Karoo and Pinotage, Blind Tiger, and Wilderer.

Any suggestions?

 

[thriller]

I don’t know about South African gin but look up uncle Val’s botanical gin

 

[BeeMaa]

To say that I'm a fan of gin would be an understatement. I'm a little hammered on it as I'm typing.

I mostly prefer London dry gin as a sipper, however the more botanical versions have made some interesting cocktails. Most notably the Copper Fox Vir-Gin when making a bloody Margret (Bloody Mary made with gin) and also Bo&Ivy Navy Strength Gin taken straight. As a former Navy man, the B&I is proper gin but is not for the uninitiated. Might want to strap up for this one.

Plymouth gin is a little different. Earthy really. Enjoyable to those who like a little "sweeter" gin with more root botanicals. Not very common anymore, but was the original gin in many cocktails.

Sloe Gin for elevens is a wonderful thing but bears no resemblance to London dry. I hope to have this once more during a hunt.

For a classic G&T...I'd prefer a London Dry like Beefeater (although my wife likes Tanqueray) with a fresh lime and tonic water. Want to take it to the next level? Muddle in a few mint leaves and the flavor will really POP! Wonderful on a hot summer day.

 

[cajunchefray]

Botanico Gin and Cookhouse, Coconut Grove FL, pours some pretty good gin cocktails.
I’m am not a gin drinker. Hell, I don’t remember the labels but it was good. I was there with another chef, colleague and the food was really good.
The gin was special.

If asked I’ll order Beefeater’s, until someone schools me on a proper gin.

 

[Red Leg]

A gin and tonic or French Seventy-Five (if showing off my mixing skills) are my two favorite gin drinks. Until someone distils something better than Hendrick's, I am not moving on.

 

[Stubbleduck]

If in Canada try Ungava Gin. So far as I know not regularly imported to the States. Great botanical gin and a favorite at the Bear Camp I have been going to the last eight years (Big Woods Wilderness Outfitters in Manitoba).

 

[Flipper Dude]

3 oz Tangueray 1 oz Stoli 1 cap vermouth, spoon of olive juice, 3 blue cheese olives. 4 drops Angustora bitters. It’s what’s for dinner.

 

[cajunchefray]

A gin and tonic or French Seventy-Five (if showing off my mixing skills) are my two favorite gin drinks. Until someone distils something better than Hendrick's, I am not moving on.

A French 75, mixed at Arnauds on Bourbon Street is special. And glad I’m not the only one that appreciates Hendricks.

 

[Stubbleduck]

Flipper Dude…..
Probably a great dinner drink but sounds suspiciously like a formula for embalming fluid .

 

[Tgood1]

Uuuuhhhm. Bourbon

 

[Ridge Runner]

Not in any order Beefeater, Tangueray, and 2 others I can't recall. Primarily dry gins with tonic water, a twist of lime, a hint of ice, shaken not stirred.

Uuuuhhhm. Bourbon

+1
Sometimes a good bourbon just doesn't satisfy the craving for something light.

 

[Laniarius]

Sorry, no South Africa suggestions.

I also like Ungava. Another I really enjoy is Macaronesian from the Canary Islands. You might find that passing through a European airport.

 

[Dudders]

Here's my favorites the Cotswolds dry gin is a bit special and don't forget a good tonic.

 

[HankBuck]

To say that I'm a fan of gin would be an understatement. I'm a little hammered on it as I'm typing.

I mostly prefer London dry gin as a sipper, however the more botanical versions have made some interesting cocktails. Most notably the Copper Fox Vir-Gin when making a bloody Margret (Bloody Mary made with gin) and also Bo&Ivy Navy Strength Gin taken straight. As a former Navy man, the B&I is proper gin but is not for the uninitiated. Might want to strap up for this one.

Plymouth gin is a little different. Earthy really. Enjoyable to those who like a little "sweeter" gin with more root botanicals. Not very common anymore, but was the original gin in many cocktails.

Sloe Gin for elevens is a wonderful thing but bears no resemblance to London dry. I hope to have this once more during a hunt.

For a classic G&T...I'd prefer a London Dry like Beefeater (although my wife likes Tanqueray) with a fresh lime and tonic water. Want to take it to the next level? Muddle in a few mint leaves and the flavor will really POP! Wonderful on a hot summer day.

BeeMaa: and I thought you were just an Expert on “chokes” — Your GIN knowledge is even more impressive AND closer to something I know a little about ! Although I enjoy a G&T during the warmer weather — Beefeaters or the more expensive Bombay Saphire - I can’t say I can taste the difference once the Tonic is added (even though I try not to put in too much!). Now, what’s your knowledge on Bourbon & Scotch ? I might actually be able to participate in that discussion.

 

[Sika98k]

3 oz Tangueray 1 oz Stoli 1 cap vermouth, spoon of olive juice, 3 blue cheese olives. 4 drops Angustora bitters. It’s what’s for dinner.

Doesn’t sound like a high fiber diet !

 

[matt85]

I honestly have never tried gin. I typically drink whiskey, vodka, tequila, and on rare occasions brandy (in the form of cognac).

I will have to give gin a try. I take my drinks neat, so perhaps a London dry as @BeeMaa suggests.

 

[BeeMaa]

BeeMaa: and I thought you were just an Expert on “chokes” — Your GIN knowledge is even more impressive AND closer to something I know a little about ! Although I enjoy a G&T during the warmer weather — Beefeaters or the more expensive Bombay Saphire - I can’t say I can taste the difference once the Tonic is added (even though I try not to put in too much!). Now, what’s your knowledge on Bourbon & Scotch ? I might actually be able to participate in that discussion.

Pretty extensive research in the single malt whisky area. At one time I had at least 25 bottles on the shelf. Seeing as it's so early right now, I'm thinking Ardbeg Cask Strength with eggs, sausage, sautéed potatoes and brown gravy for breakfast. Although Laphroaig Quarter Cask is looking good as well.

Each of the five regions of Scotland produce a distinctive regional taste. With each distillery in that region providing their own unique flavor profile. With all due respect, the level of refinement in single malt scotch whisky is far beyond American bourbon, rye or whiskey. Don't get me wrong, there are some excellent American style whiskies, but they are not a good comparison to each other. Placing them in the same category is an insult to both.

 

[BeeMaa]

I honestly have never tried gin. I typically drink whiskey, vodka, tequila, and on rare occasions brandy (in the form of cognac).

I will have to give gin a try. I take my drinks neat, so perhaps a London dry as @BeeMaa suggests.

Highly recommend Hendrick's neat. Excellent flavor profile for starting out.

My friends look at me sideways when I pour gin or vodka into a glass and drink it straight.

 

[saswart]

I have asked elsewhere but thought here might be the place where I'd find a number of people who had actually been to South Africa (or live there) and could make good recommendations. Elsewhere I've been told I should look for any of the Inverroche gins, Six Dogs Karoo and Pinotage, Blind Tiger, and Wilderer.

Any suggestions?

My wife loves her gin, and I confess, I do as well. You already received great recommendations.
Six Dogs (we like the blue), Inverroche (any), Blind Tiger (we love both the rarely sighted and blue- there seems to be one or both always in our cabinet)

Others you can have a look are A Mari Ocean gin, Bloedlemoen (we like the orange), Musgrave (original) , Cape Town Gin Co (we like the classic dry). Enjoy!!

 

[PCC600]

I like Ophir a spiced Scottish gin . Over ice with a little fresh ginger , sliced red chilli and some cardamon and Fevertree tonic water . Absolutely delicious . Having said that a Bombay Sapphire and tonic is very nice too on a hot day .