Gin Thread!

[Brlesq]

Originally Posted by pnoon

I am not one who can easily pick out and describe flavors. I will say that I find the BS East to be more aromatic and floral.

The description on the bottle says "Vapour Infused with additional Thai Lemongrass and Vietnamese Black Peppercorns"

84 proof. I paid $32.99 for a full liter.

Bet this would make a great dirty martini. Gotta find me some!

[pnoon]

Newest purchase. Have yet to try.



http://www.farmersgin.com/home

My favorite Gin:

[357]

Originally Posted by ChicagoWhiteSox

My favorite Gin:

Same here. But I haven't tried half the ones Peter has posted.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by 357

Same here. But I haven't tried half the ones Peter has posted.

I love Hendricks as well.
But that is like saying I love Padron or Fuente cigars and not realizing there is a huge population of other wonderful brands out there.

My immersion into craft (small batch) gins has been absolutely wonderful.

[shibby4781]

I'm glad I came across this thread today! I'm not a big gin drinker but have wanted to dive further into it. I have enjoyed GNT's for years when I'm out with the wife but never really cared or specified what brand of gin to use. From what I have read it seem like for those you can use pretty much anything. I really want to try more martinis. Are there acceptable and unacceptable gins to use for martinis? Also, could anyone be so kind as to steer me in the direction for a decent all-purpose gin or for that matter one I should try right away?

[357]

Originally Posted by shibby4781

I'm glad I came across this thread today! I'm not a big gin drinker but have wanted to dive further into it. I have enjoyed GNT's for years when I'm out with the wife but never really cared or specified what brand of gin to use. From what I have read it seem like for those you can use pretty much anything. I really want to try more martinis. Are there acceptable and unacceptable gins to use for martinis? Also, could anyone be so kind as to steer me in the direction for a decent all-purpose gin or for that matter one I should try right away?

I'm a GNT guy. Never got into martinis but I haven't really tried too many. I would like to try some in the future to see if I like them or not. Personally, I can tell a big difference between gins when mixed with tonic. Just my

[Brlesq]

Apparently Tuthilltown Spirits (a local mico-batch distillery here in the Catskills of NY) recently released their new Half Moon Orchard Gin, made from wheat and apples. Haven't been able to find it anywhere, even at the local shops that carry Tuthilltown's Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey. I may have to take a trip down to the distillery for a tour and sample!

http://www.tuthilltown.com/category/...unaged-spirits

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by shibby4781

I'm glad I came across this thread today! I'm not a big gin drinker but have wanted to dive further into it. I have enjoyed GNT's for years when I'm out with the wife but never really cared or specified what brand of gin to use. From what I have read it seem like for those you can use pretty much anything. I really want to try more martinis. Are there acceptable and unacceptable gins to use for martinis? Also, could anyone be so kind as to steer me in the direction for a decent all-purpose gin or for that matter one I should try right away?

You can get away with using cheaper liquor when mixing in cocktails. However, using a higher end liquor will make a much tastier cocktail.

My favorite, everyday gin is New Amsterdam. I can get a 1.5L for $18-$20. And it is good enough to drink in a martini.

If you are starting out with martinis, I suggest New Amsterdam, Tanqueray, Beefeater and/or Bombay. I would not use the cheapo brands of gin.

If you have a question about a specific gin, feel free to post about it here or PM me.

[shibby4781]

Originally Posted by pnoon

My favorite, everyday gin is New Amsterdam. I can get a 1.5L for $18-$20. And it is good enough to drink in a martini.

If you are starting out with martinis, I suggest New Amsterdam, Tanqueray, Beefeater and/or Bombay. I would not use the cheapo brands of gin.

Thanks, Peter! Looks like I will be stopping by the liquor store on my way home. Any suggestions/lessons about the beginner's martini?

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by shibby4781

Thanks, Peter! Looks like I will be stopping by the liquor store on my way home. Any suggestions/lessons about the beginner's martini?

Like anything, it's all about personal preference.

Some like them stirred over ice. Others, like me, like them shaken and then strained into a martini glass. Some say shake gently. I prefer them shaken vigorously. Amount of (dry) vermouth is definitely one of taste. Many say waving the cap of the vermouth bottle over the shaker is plenty (none). I have seen the proportion as high as 3 parts gin to 1 part vermouth. I prefer ~5 to 1. I will usually just free pour a capful or a tad more into the shaker with the ice and gin. Whenever I try a new gin, like the many I've recently posted above, I omit the vermouth in order to get the true flavor of the gin. I then revert to adding some (but not much).

There is much to be enjoyed in the experimentation.

[shibby4781]

Thanks again! Ok, one last question. What cigars would pair well with a martini or gin in general?

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by shibby4781

Thanks again! Ok, one last question. What cigars would pair well with a martini or gin in general?

Haven't found one yet that didn't pair well.

[qwerty1500]

Originally Posted by pnoon

Haven't found one yet that didn't pair well.

I totally agree. An ice cold martini seems to highlight rather than mask the cigar flavors I really like.

As for vermouth ... dont be afraid of it. Normally mix 3:1. It's wine and is best when it's fresh rather than some that has been sitting in an opened bottle for months. I recently discovered Lillet ... the best wine mixer for martinis I have ever tried:

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by qwerty1500

I totally agree. An ice cold martini seems to highlight rather than mask the cigar flavors I really like.

As for vermouth ... dont be afraid of it. Normally mix 3:1. It's wine and is best when it's fresh rather than some that has been sitting in an opened bottle for months. I recently discovered Lillet ... the best wine mixer for martinis I have ever tried:

Well said, my martini loving friend.

I'm more of 4:1 or 5:1 but besides that, your post is spot on.
I need to try the Lillet. Heard good things about it.

[shibby4781]

OK I'm hooked!



I tasted the New Amsterdam on its own and was very surprised and pleased. Very smooth with nice flavors. I did approximately the 3:1 mix. I like it a lot for my first attempt. I will definitely play around with the ratio over the next few. Thank you all for the advice & recommendations. Next venture Bloody Mary/Maria recipes but that's another thread.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by shibby4781

OK I'm hooked!



I tasted the New Amsterdam on its own and was very surprised and pleased. Very smooth with nice flavors. I did approximately the 3:1 mix. I like it a lot for my first attempt. I will definitely play around with the ratio over the next few. Thank you all for the advice & recommendations. Next venture Bloody Mary/Maria recipes but that's another thread.

Welcome to the fold.

[Whee]

Originally Posted by shibby4781

OK I'm hooked!



I tasted the New Amsterdam on its own and was very surprised and pleased. Very smooth with nice flavors. I did approximately the 3:1 mix. I like it a lot for my first attempt. I will definitely play around with the ratio over the next few. Thank you all for the advice & recommendations. Next venture Bloody Mary/Maria recipes but that's another thread.

Another convert. Welcome to the club.

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by shibby4781

OK I'm hooked!



I tasted the New Amsterdam on its own and was very surprised and pleased. Very smooth with nice flavors. I did approximately the 3:1 mix. I like it a lot for my first attempt. I will definitely play around with the ratio over the next few. Thank you all for the advice & recommendations. Next venture Bloody Mary/Maria recipes but that's another thread.

Oh . . .
And don't let anyone try and tell you a martini is made with vodka. Otherwise, we'll have to revoke your martini card.

[Whee]

Originally Posted by pnoon

Oh . . .
And don't let anyone try and tell you a martini is made with vodka. Otherwise, we'll have to revoke your martini card.