I've recently discovered that I like gin and tonics. Being a cheapo, I've mainly been on cheap gins, but I'm wondering if it's worth spending a bit more for a fancier gin, especially if it's just mixed with tonic?
Anyway, recommendations are requested. No real budget, but won't be spending upwards of $100 for a bottle. I may spend between $70 - $100 for a special occasions gin, and up to $70 for a solo special occasion.
Thanks!
I 2nd the ink gin. Tastes yum and the theatrics of it are great (turns from purple to pink when tonic is added). At ~$80 a bottle it's not cheap though.
Also a lot of boutique gin places have free delivery atm, and it's good to support small businesses :)
Hendricks with tonic and cucumber.
Rock solid gin, don't you dare use citrus in it.
I had a bar put citrus in it once. A bar that specialised in Gin. Devo :(.
If you're looking for something a bit different, Adelaide Hills Distillery make a green ant gin which is nice for a change.
I also liked the Four Pillars Navy Strength - has finger lime as one of the botanicals so has a bit of a different flavour again.
Can't go past good old Bombay Sapphire for a martini, and Hendricks for a good old G&T.
Also mix it up and try different tonic waters - the Schweppes in the plastic bottles will make anything taste just meh. If you're forking out $100 a bottle, don't put that shit in there, buy something decent to go with it. Soda/mineral water is a good alternative if you want to actually taste the gin.
Garnishes can also make all the difference. I've had all different things over the years - I like cucumber, coriander leave and juniper berries is a nice combo with Hendricks. Lime, finger lime "pearls" or other citrus and even dried orange slices are also nice if it goes nicely with the botanicals used.
And in a couple of months I'll have popped this baby out and can have a gin again. Thanks for the reminiscence for the time being!
Schweppes in the plastic bottles will make anything taste just meh
Can't emphasize this enough. Good tonic makes a world of difference - my favourite is Fevertree, but almost anything is better than the horrendous shite Schweppes produces.
Gin wise, Gin Mare is excellent! Delicious with a bit of rosemary in it.
I noticed recently Fevertree even have different flavoured tonic waters now too! Looking forward to being able to actually try them!
Archie Rose make a decent one
We're big fans of Hendrick's in this household. If you shop and around and pair with a solid cashback offer you can get on for under $60 a throw.
KIS (Kangaroo Island Spirits) make some nice gins. Use native botanicals in some if I recall correctly. Their 'Old Tom' is something very different - aged in oak barrels, drunk straight not mixed.
Tanqueray 10
Not a gin connoisseur but tried a fair few at bars and friend's houses and they're fun but I always come back to Hendrick's+tonic+cucumber.
Take care, brother.
Research on the Great Depression suggested that self-medication with alcohol and other substances greatly increased due to job losses and lifestyle changes. But ironically, it was the Great Depression that led to the end of alcohol prohibition in the US, since it made them realise how much they were losing in tax revenue and keeping people busy in alcohol-related industries.
Loch Brewery Gin.
Was VERY into gin a couple of summers ago and found them to be the best. One of the cheapest bottles in my lineup too.
(I mix it with Sin Ko Nah tonic syrup and generic bland tonic water.)
For those who like Hendricks, tonic and cumcumber … next time I would suggest trying to add a bit of freshly cracked pepper to it. It blew my mind away. Please reply if you have tried this, or if you try it out - let me know.
Hendricks is always a safe bet for me, also I like The Botanist and Archie Rose.
Alwyays use a decent tonic - none of that indian tonic schwepes stuff please.
monkey 47
or if you want it for a special occasion :
Cambridge Watenshi Gin
I’m not much of a gin drinker but we brought back a bottle of this stuff from Menorca.Our Gin drinking friends loved it. Maybe try something with the aniseed, as a change. You can buy their standard stuff from Nicks.
http://desdemenorca.com/en/menorca-spirits/166-sweet-aniseed…
On the special gin side I highly recommend Drumshanbo
https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_695949/drumshanbo-g…
I much prefer it over Ink or Four Pillars
For smoothness go Hendricks.
For a punch in the face go Roku.
For citrus go Tanqueray Sevilla.
For something different and I love it - For strawberry go Dasher and Fisher Strawberry Gin.
four Pillars on ice is nice.
Where can you buy better tonics? Are they available in woolies/coles?
Depends on the stock levels of your local store. Last time I went there were 8 little bottles of tonic in the entire store
Rough… I could try sourcing online instead, what are some brand names I should be looking out for?
I usually buy Fevertree - get it at Dan's. The one in the yellow bottle is the original but they have some other flavours now which I haven't tried. I just had a look online and they had a few other brands that I hadn't seen before so will try them in time.
Capi if I'm at the supermarket and they have it.
If you must buy schweppes because it's all you can find, buy the individual glass bottles and not the plastic.
Tanqueray "Sevilla" and soda water. It's a beautiful thing! The price ranges between $55 and $65 depending on place/specials.
If you want to support an Australian distiller - Kalki Moon makes wonderful gin. Their original bottle is under $50 from Dan's and is a steal for that. Personally their navy strength is maybe my all time favourite but is a fair bit pricier at around $90. Nice to support small Australian businesses at this time as well
I hate gin but my Mrs likes the ink gin from husk distillery.