In a new feature for 2018, I will be sharing with you my gin collection. Whenever I travel, I like to pick up a local gin, particularly ones that are unique or unusual. Over the next 52 weeks I will be sharing with you the gins in my collection. Right now there are about 40. I am sure I will pick up a few more during the year, but I also hope to write about some classic and contemporary gin cocktails. I also plan to do a few blind tastings and I look forward to sharing with you the results.
My favorite mass produced gin is Bombay Sapphire. It has been my go to gin for a gin and tonic since I started drinking them. One of my favorite smaller batch gins in Leopold’s Gin. I found it on a trip to Colorado. I am also a big fan of the Napa Valley Distillery Old Hollywood Ginn. (Yes, there are two Ns.) It’s a bit unusual, almost reminiscent of a grappa, but delicious. As I work my way through my collection, I hope to identify a few other favorites.
Gin is a wonderful beverage. It can be enjoyed simply in a gin and tonic, and many gins are also good neat or with just a squeeze of lime. Gin can be part of a deep and complex cocktail too. With the growth of local distilleries there are far more gins than anyone could possibly try, but that doesn’t mean I won’t do my best to share with you as many as possible. If you have a suggestion, or a favorite gin, you want me to talk about please send me a note. I am always looking for new gins, especially small batch varieties.
If you are already a gin fan, I hope I can introduce you to some new ones and if you aren’t, I hope maybe I can encourage you to give it a try. Either way I hope you enjoy !
Week 1 – Letherbee Vernal 2017, Chicago HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Week 2 – Bombay Sapphire, England
Week 3 – Short Path Distillery, Everett, MA (Boston)
Week 4 – Short Path Winter, Everett, MA (Boston) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Week 5 – Flaming Leprechaun, Ireland
Week 6 – Wild June, Washington, DC
Week 7 – Tasting of Tonics
Week 8 – Green Mountain, Morrisville, VT
Week 9 – Cold River, Freeport, ME
Week 10 – Foggy Harbor, Preston, CT
Week 11 – Damnation Alley Distillery, Belmont, MA
Week 12 – Damnation Alley Gin, Belmont, MA
Week 13 – Automatic Sea Gin, Oakland, CA HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Week 14 – SPD Gin, Everett, MA HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Week 15 – The Aviation Cocktail
