Sip #15 2024

The Gin

Hello Reader, Happy Friday!
Today we cover the theme of Piney Juniper Heavy Gins 🌲 and Bees 🐝.

Gins of the Week: Top 5 Piney Juniper Gins 🌲

🌲 Top 5 Piney Juniper Gins 🌲

When it comes to a classic gin and tonic, there's nothing quite like the punch of piney juniper flavor. But finding the perfect juniper-forward gin can be a journey in itself. Here are the top five contenders for the title of the most potent juniper bomb gin:

St. George Terroir: More piney than juniper, this gin offers the taste of a walk through a pine forest on a damp, rainy day. It's a sensory experience that transports you to the rugged coast of Oregon.
Sipsmith V.J.O.P.: While some debate its juniper intensity, Sipsmith V.J.O.P. packs a punch with its high ABV and bold flavors. It's a gin that demands attention and delivers a robust juniper profile.
Boatyard Double Gin: Hailing from Ireland, Boatyard Double Gin boasts an impressive 86% juniper content. Each botanical is macerated in neutral base spirit, then redistilled through a vapor chamber containing even more juniper, resulting in a gin that's undeniably piney.
Junipero: Although not widely available, Junipero is renowned for its strong juniper presence. It's a gin that stays true to its roots, offering a bold and unapologetic flavor profile that gin enthusiasts adore.
Never Never Juniper Freak: From Australia comes this gin that caused a global juniper shortage with its 50 times usual juniper content. While it may be hard to find outside Australia, its intense juniper flavor makes it a standout choice for those seeking a true juniper bomb.

Honorable Mentions:

Hepple: Known for its solid juniper-focused dry gin, Hepple offers a balanced and flavorful experience.
Henley Gin Navy Strength: This gin strikes a perfect balance between strength and taste, delivering a robust juniper-forward profile.
Xoriguer Gin de Mahon: With juniper as its sole botanical, Xoriguer Gin de Mahon offers an intense and unique flavor that sets it apart from the rest.

When it comes to choosing the perfect piney juniper gin for your G&T, these top contenders are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Cheers to the bold and vibrant world of juniper-forward gins! 🍸🌲

Which brands of gin have the most prominent juniper berry flavor? | Quora

Story: Gin & Bees 🐝

nce upon a time, back in 1921, people started saying "the Bee's Knees" to describe something awesome. 🐝
It might have come from bees carrying honey on their legs, but who knows for sure? Then, in the middle of Prohibition, when drinking was a bit of a secret affair, someone mixed up a special cocktail.

They called it the Bee's Knees, and it became all the rage in the speakeasies of the roaring twenties. 🍸 But the first official record of this sweet drink wasn't until 1934, in a book called World Drinks and How to Mix Them by Bill Boothby. Some folks say the honey in the drink was there to cover up the taste of not-so-great gin, the kind made in bathtubs during Prohibition.

See, back then, the government was trying to stop people from drinking by making alcohol that was only good for things like making ink or fuel. But people still found ways to get their hands on the good stuff. Unfortunately, some of that homemade booze ended up being dangerous, causing a rise in deaths. But through it all, the Bee's Knees remained a tasty symbol of defiance and good times. 🍯

The Bee's Knees became famous not just for its delicious taste, but also for its clever disguise. With honey masking the harsh flavors of homemade gin, drinkers could enjoy their cocktails without worrying too much about getting caught by the authorities. It was the perfect concoction for a time when people needed a bit of sweetness to offset the bitterness of Prohibition. As word spread about this clandestine cocktail, its popularity soared, making it a staple of speakeasies and secret gatherings across the country. So, while Prohibition may have tried to dampen the spirits of the Roaring Twenties, the Bee's Knees proved that nothing could stop people from having a good time. 🥂

Check out the Bees Knees cocktail recipe further below 👇

History of the Bee’s Knees Cocktail

Masterclass: Is Gin Juniper vodka?🫐

🍸🎉 Welcome to our Masterclass on the intriguing question:

"Is Gin Juniper vodka?"

Technicality: While gin and vodka may appear similar at first glance, its important to know that they're distinct spirits with unique characteristics and regulations. In the United States, gin is defined by its main flavor derived from juniper berries and a minimum distillation proof of 80 (or 40% ABV), contrasting with vodka's neutrality and allowance for small additives like sugar and citric acid. This clear distinction underscores the essence of gin as a juniper-driven spirit, setting it apart in the world of distilled beverages. 🌿

Base: Gin, often hailed as the original flavored vodka boasts a rich history and a diverse range of expressions that continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. The beauty of gin lies in its versatility, allowing distillers to experiment with a variety of base spirits to enhance botanical expressions.

Examples:
Take Le Gin, for example, crafted on a Calvados base which is a brandy from Normandy in France, made from apples and/or pears.
Similarly, Genever, the progenitor of the gin family, boasts a malted grain base that enriches botanical profiles, making it a preferred choice for classic cocktails.
Monkey 47 is distilled from molasses akin to rum, and Copper and Kings, crafting gin from brandy, showcases the creativity within the gin-making realm. From apple 🍎 brandy to grape 🍇 brandy, these unconventional bases add unique nuances to each bottle, inviting drinkers on a sensorial journey unlike any other.

As we delve deeper into the world of gin, let's celebrate its rich techniques & creativity. Whether you're sipping a classic London Dry or indulging in an innovative craft creation, each bottle of gin tells a unique story of tradition, innovation, and the endless possibilities of botanical alchemy. ✨

Now Check out the Bee's Knees🍯 recipe below👇

Cocktail for the week: Bee's Knees🍯

Ingredients:

½ ounce honey syrup (see note for instructions)
1 ounce lemon juice (about ½ medium lemon)
2 ounces gin
Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions:

Make the Honey Syrup: Combine equal parts honey and water (such as 2 tablespoons each for a few cocktails) in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Warm in the microwave or over the stovetop until you can stir the honey into the water completely. Set aside.
Prepare the Lemon Twist: Before juicing your lemons, use a vegetable peeler or channel knife to peel off a strip(s) of zest for your twist.
Mix the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the honey syrup, lemon juice, and gin. Securely fasten the lid and shake vigorously until the mixture is very cold, about 30 seconds.
Strain and Serve: Strain the drink into a coupe or martini glass. Twist the lemon peel over the cocktail to release some of its oils, then drop it in.
Enjoy: Sip and savor the delightful blend of sweet honey, tart lemon, and botanical gin flavors in this classic Bee's Knees cocktail.

Notes:

For measurement, you can use a measuring jigger or standard measuring cups and spoons. Two ounces is ¼ cup, 1 ounce is 2 tablespoons, and ½ ounce is 1 tablespoon. Adjust the honey syrup to your taste preference for sweetness.

Read some more variations of this wonderful cocktail below 👇

Who Invented the Bee’s Knees Cocktail and What’s the Recipe?

Community Spotlight: Gin Engine🛢️

Check out this unique Gin called Engine found by @don_masa2 🛢️😂

"I found this gin called Engine. I bought it because I wanted the can, but I'm going to enjoy the gin too! "