Sip #16 2024

The Gin

Hello Reader, Happy Friday!
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Gins of the Week: Best Gin Bottles🍾

Best Gin + Bottle🍾

Howdy Gin heads. This week we appreciate not only the delightful flavors within our favorite gin bottles but also the captivating designs that adorn them. From elegant simplicity to intricate artistry, here are some of the most beautiful gin bottles that will undoubtedly catch your eye:

Mermaid Gin 🧜‍♀️🍸: Crafted by the Isle of Wight Distillery, this stunning creation draws inspiration from the island’s beauty. With rock samphire as a key botanical, it boasts a fresh and clean flavor profile. Not only is the gin delightful to drink, but its gorgeously striking bottle, made from sustainable materials, also adds to its allure.
Fallen Angel Blood Orange Gin 😈🍊: Presented in a startling ceramic head-shaped bottle, this vibrant gin features classic botanicals alongside a hearty helping of blood orange. Serve it very cold or combine it with a good tonic. Juicy orange and drying cinnamon, with soft juniper growing on the finish.wh
Drumshanbo “Distillery Cat” Edition Gunpowder Gin 🐱💥: Shaped like a cat, this extraordinary gin is slow-distilled by PJ Rigney in a lakeside shed in a small Irish town. Its bold nose combines pepper, spice, and juniper, while the palate explodes with green tea flavors—hints of matcha, vanilla ice cream, and saffron. A bold juniper note ties it all together.
Caprisius Gin 🌴🍹: Representing the style of the Italian island of Capri, this 2019 creation macerates botanicals found on Capri separately for 10-15 days. The result? A gin blended with salt water, ensuring no sea salt remains. Distilled by Antica Distilleria Quaglia in Italy.
Cape Saint Blaize Oceanic Gin 🌊🍹: This rich and woody gin is infused with coastal lemon pelargonium, sea asparagus, milkwood berries, cold-brewed rooibos, and the bittersweet salty sour fig. The gentle warmth is tempered by lingering fruit flavors of caramelized plum and ripe redcurrant. Delicate floral notes of soft cherry and cassis intertwine, presenting a velvet-like mouthfeel that is berry-rich. Aromas of fresh citrus, crushed juniper, toasted bark, and earthy spice deliver a dry, elegant finish.

From mermaids to distillery cats, these gin bottles are more than mere containers—they’re works of art. Whether you’re sipping by the sea or enjoying a cozy evening, each bottle tells a story. So raise your glass, appreciate the craftsmanship, and let the flavors transport you to distant shores. Cheers!🍹🌟

Check out the short story on Dutch Courage 🇳🇱 below 👇

Mermaid Gin - Isle of Wight Distillery

Cape Saint Blaize Oceanic Gin

Caprisius Gin Standard Edition | Gin Capri | Caprisius

Fallen Angel Blood Orange Gin

Limited Edition "Distillery Cat" Bottl - The Shed Distillery

Story: Dutch Courage 🇳🇱

In the heart of the 16th century, the Dutch were not just explorers but pioneers in the world of spirits. Amidst the tumultuous waves 🌊 and the salty sea air, they discovered the art of distillation. This newfound skill led to the creation of a spirit that would become a symbol of their courage and resilience - Genever, or as it was known among the English mercenaries, “Dutch Courage.” 🥃

The Dutch soldiers, braving the harsh conditions of the high seas and the uncertainties of war, found solace and warmth in this distilled spirit. It was more than just a drink; it was a companion in their solitude, a beacon of hope in their despair. The “Dutch Courage” wasn’t just about the bravery on the battlefield, but also about the courage to endure, to persist, and to survive. 💪

As the spirit of Genever flowed, so did its fame. It crossed the North Sea and reached the shores of England. The English, intrigued and somewhat envious of the Dutch’s distillation prowess, decided to break the Dutch monopoly. The crown sanctioned the establishment of numerous small craft distilleries across Britain. This marked the birth of what we know today as Gin. 🍸

But the story of “Dutch Courage” doesn’t end there. Back in the Netherlands, the tradition of Genever lived on in the form of two distinct styles - the young and the old Jenever. The young Jenever, born out of the scarcity of grains during World War II, brought a fresh, spicy kick to the palate. The old Jenever, steeped in tradition, offered a deep, complex flavor profile. Both styles, however, shared a common secret - malt wine. This ingredient was the soul of Jenever, infusing it with a unique character that kept people coming back for more. 🌾

So, the next time you sip on a glass of Jenever or its descendant, Gin, remember the tale of “Dutch Courage.” It’s a story of resilience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of the Dutch. Cheers! 🥂

Check out the 3 Methods of Making Gin🍸 below 👇

History of the Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Masterclass: 3 Methods of Making Gin🍸

📝 Welcome to our Masterclass on 3 Methods of Making Gin

Gin distillation is a captivating process, with three main methods at its heart: steeping, vapor infusion, and vacuum distillation. Each technique brings its unique charm and character to the gin, resulting in a diverse array of flavors and profiles. In this masterclass, we will delve into the intricacies of these methods and discover what makes a truly exceptional gin.

1. Steeping: The Foundation of Flavor 🌿🔥
The first technique, steeping, involves mixing ethanol and botanicals in a pot still—a metal container placed over a heat source. The botanicals steep into the spirit, imbuing it with their flavors. The duration of steeping can vary, depending on the desired depth of flavor. Distillers may remove the botanicals quickly for a lighter profile or let them steep for up to 48 hours for a more intense flavor. This method is foundational, allowing the essence of the botanicals to permeate the base spirit.

2. Vapor Infusion: Elevating Aromas 🌸💨
The second method, vapor infusion, utilizes a specialized still called a Carter-head still, which features a suspended basket for botanicals. As the spirit heats up, ethanol vapors rise into the basket, releasing essential oils from the botanicals. These oils then infuse the vapors with distinct flavors, creating a beautifully aromatic gin. This method captures the delicate and intricate notes of the botanicals, resulting in a refined and complex spirit.

3. Vacuum Distillation: Preserving Purity 🥶⚗️
The third method, vacuum distillation, also known as cold distillation, employs a low-pressure vacuum environment to lower the boiling point of ethanol. This technique ensures minimal damage to the botanicals, preserving their fresh and vibrant flavors. By reducing the need for extreme heat, vacuum distillation maintains the integrity of the ingredients, resulting in a gin that is pure and true to its botanical roots.

Now Check out the Basil-ica 🍃recipe below👇

Checkout - Masterclass: Homemade Gin (in 5 Steps)🍸

Cocktail for the week: Basil-ica 🍃

Basil-ica Cocktail—a delightful creation by bartender Chris Milligan from New Mexico. This cocktail beautifully blends the fresh flavor of basil with the sweet notes of elderflower and gin, creating a symphony of taste sensations 🌿.

Here's how to whip up this tantalizing drink in just a few simple steps:

Ingredients:

5 large basil leaves
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces Plymouth Gin
1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur
1 dash orange bitters
1 dash Peychaud's Bitters
Long orange twist, for garnish

Instructions:

Begin by gathering all your ingredients together.
In a mixing glass, muddle 4 basil leaves along with the lemon juice and simple syrup.
Add the Plymouth Gin, elderflower liqueur, and both types of bitters to the mixing glass. Fill it with ice.
Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10 to 12 seconds until well combined and chilled.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
For an elegant finishing touch, roll up the remaining basil leaf and wrap the long orange twist around it. Place this garnish inside the glass.
Serve and savor the delightful flavors of the Basil-ica Cocktail!

With its unique combination of ingredients and refreshing taste, this cocktail is sure to become a favorite for both casual gatherings and special occasions alike. Enjoy! 🍹

Basil-ica Cocktail & Variations

Community Spotlight: Gin Cabinets🗄️

Recently we came across juniperfurniture who specialises in making Gin Cabinets by restoring and customizing old furniture. Checkout juniperfurniture !