Sip #8 2024

The Gin

Hello Reader,
Happy Friday! In this edition, we cover :

Gin of the Week: Highclere Castle Gin 🏰

Ahoy, fellow gin enthusiasts! Allow me to regale you with the tale of Highclere Castle Gin—a spirited concoction inspired by the verdant gardens of the real Downton Abbey 🇬🇧.

Crafted with 10 botanicals sourced from Highclere Castle's ancient estate, this gin is a journey through tradition and flavor. 🏰 Inspired by the historic gardens of Highclere, it features citrus and lavender notes, with oats adding complexity. Distilled above an ancient water source at Langley Distillery, England's oldest gin distillery, it blends history and craftsmanship. 🌿

🌲 Juniper: 4/5 - Let me tell you, juniper reigns supreme in this majestic elixir. With every sip, you'll be transported to a fragrant forest of juniper berries, where the essence of gin reigns supreme.

🍋 Citrus: 1/5 - Now, don't expect a citrus explosion here. While lemon and orange peels do make a cameo in the botanical lineup, their presence is subtle, like a whisper in the wind.

🌸 Floral: 2.5/5 - Picture this: lavender blooms swaying in the gentle breeze of an English garden. That's the delicate floral touch you'll find in Highclere Castle Gin—a subtle yet enchanting addition to the botanical symphony.

🍇 Fruit: 1/5 - Fruity flavors take a backseat on this journey, my friends. While there's a hint of fruitiness lurking in the background, it's the botanicals that steal the show.

🌿 Herbal: 2/5 - Ah, the herbal wonders of Highclere Castle Gin! Angelica root, coriander seed, and more dance merrily on the palate, adding depth and complexity to each sip.

🌶️ Spice: 1/5 - Spice lovers, temper your expectations. While there's a touch of warmth from Cassia, it's more of a gentle embrace than a fiery inferno.

🍹 ABV: With a hearty ABV of 43.5%, Highclere Castle Gin is ready to elevate your cocktail game to new heights. Whether you're sipping it neat or shaking up a classic G&T, this liquid treasure promises a journey of flavor and fun.

Overall Score: 3.6/5

So there you have it, mates! Highclere Castle Gin—a spirited adventure in every bottle.

Highclere Castle Gin – London Dry |

Masterclass: Tasting Gin (Like a Pro)🍸

Now, tasting gin isn't just about throwing back a shot—it's a nuanced journey of flavors and aromas waiting to be discovered. Here's how I approach the tasting process using the N-O-T method:

Neat Sip (N): 🥃 Start by pouring yourself a small measure of gin, and take a tiny sip neat. Hold it towards the front of your mouth, allowing the flavors to dance on your palate for about ten seconds. Notice the spices, the floral notes, and any other nuances that tickle your taste buds.

On the Rocks (O): ❄️ Next, drop an ice cube into your measure and sip the gin again, this time chilled. Some gins reveal different aromas and flavors when chilled, so pay attention to any differences you notice compared to the neat sip. Let the ice melt slightly to experience the full spectrum of flavors.

Tonic (T): 🌿 Now, it's time to pair your gin with a tonic. Choose a tonic that won't overpower the gin, allowing the juniper and other botanicals to shine through. Personally, I recommend a light tonic for its balanced flavor profile. Take a sip and let the juniper and quinine set each other off, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.

By following these simple steps, you'll unlock the full potential of your gin and elevate your tasting experience to new heights. So grab your favorite bottle, gather your friends, and embark on a delicious journey through the world of gin! Cheers! 🥂

Story: Young & Old Jevener 🫐

Alright, gather 'round, folks, and let me spin you a tale of two Jenevers - the young and the old. 🥃

Picture this: World War II, a time when grains were rarer than hen's teeth. In that scarcity, a new kid appeared on the block called Young Jenever (jonge). It's got this vibrant, spicy kick that just wakes up your taste buds like nothing else. Meanwhile, on the other side of the spectrum, you've got old Jenever (oude), steeped in tradition and bursting with deep, complex flavors. Now, here's the twist - both these share a secret sauce: malt wine. It's the heart and soul of Jenever, giving it that unmistakable character that keeps us coming back for more.

But hold up, let's rewind a bit to the Dutch Golden Age 🇳🇱. You see, back in the 16th century, the Dutch were sailing the high seas, plundering and pillaging like there was no tomorrow. Amidst all the chaos, they stumbled upon a little something called distillation, and boy, did they get good at it. Enter Genever, or as the English mercenaries called it, "Dutch Courage." This magical elixir became the lifeblood of Dutch soldiers and soon found its way across the North Sea to England.

Fast forward to the 17th century, and things are heating up. The English, feeling a bit jealous of the Dutch's newfound distillation skills, decided to put an end to their monopoly. And just like that, the crown opened the floodgates to a wave of small craft distilleries across Britain. This, my friends, marked the birth of Gin.

Now, back to our young and old jenevers. Old Jenever packs a punch with more malt wine, giving it that full-bodied, grainy taste that's like a warm hug on a chilly night. On the other hand, young jenever opts for a lighter touch, focusing on freshness and spice to tantalize your taste buds. But here's the kicker - neither of them has to spend years aging in barrels. Nope, it's all about that malt wine magic, my friends.

So, whether you're sipping on the lively spirit of young jenever or savoring the rich heritage of old, each glass is a journey through time, blending tradition with innovation in the most delicious way possible. Ready for the next?
Scroll down for a Dutch-inspired concoction: the Improved Holland Gin Cocktail.🍸👇

The Serious Eats Guide to Genever

Cocktail for the week: Improved Holland Gin🍹

Ingredients:

2 oz Genever (Dutch-style gin)
1/2 oz Maraschino liqueur
1/4 oz Simple syrup
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions:

In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the Genever, Maraschino liqueur, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
Stir the mixture well until chilled, about 30 seconds.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink and then garnish with the twist.
Serve and enjoy your Improved Holland Gin Cocktail!

This cocktail is a delightful blend of the rich, malty flavors of Genever with the sweetness of Maraschino liqueur and a hint of aromatic bitterness from the Angostura bitters. It's a classic cocktail that pays homage to the Dutch origins of gin while incorporating elements of European and American mixology. Cheers🍸