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[Closed] Gin

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What gin is everyone drinking at the moment? Mothers ruin, yadda yadda, etc...

Waitrose had some money off Fentimans Tonic when I was in this afternoon, so it would be rude not to give it a try. Paired with:

[img] [/img]

and

[img] [/img]

(though in two separate glasses, 1:2 gin:tonic)

Mmmm. Gin.


 
Posted : 21/10/2014 10:52 pm
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Im a huge fan of Bombay Sapphire


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 1:31 am
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[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 1:35 am
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I must be relly boring, as it's either Gordon's or Bombay Saphire for me. The posh gins dont really do it for me.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 3:26 am
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Yup Gin is Gin, happy with cheap aldi stuff. Anything you mix might as well be the cheap stuff. I will happily spend loads on decent whisky, to drink neat, or nice beers, but anything that is mixed, cocktailed or shandied can be cheap.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 3:54 am
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Hendricks all the time. Have others, nothing comes close.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 5:03 am
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Tanqueray loyalist here.

never tried a posh tonic tho, just schweppes. but fresh limes amd plenty of ice are important.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 5:51 am
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Got to be [url= http://www.bramleyandgage.co.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=11869984 ] 6 oclock[/url] Has a matching tonic so you don't ruin good gin with cheap tonic. Nothing like cheap gin. If you just mix cheap gin with generic tonic you are missing a treat.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 5:57 am
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Prefer mine with sloes


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 6:01 am
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Hendricks


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 6:53 am
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Aldi's own gin has beaten the big brands in blind tastings. At £10 I used it for sloe gin this year. Otherwise, Hendricks or Bombay Sapphire for me.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 6:55 am
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We have Caorunn, Hendricks, Martin Millers, Bombay Sapphire and a bottle of Gordons in the back of the cupboard for emergencies. It doesn't do not to have a choice.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 6:59 am
 Spin
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I once made a Gnt with flat tonic. Absolutely disgusting. Who'd have thunk it was those little bubbles that made the difference?


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 8:04 am
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This...
[url= https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2933/14039784495_898cbf1d1f.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2933/14039784495_898cbf1d1f.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/noDyMV ]TheBotanist22[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/7904024@N08/ ]jimmyg352[/url], on Flickr

Made here...
[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/9489081504_6e8f2d558f.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/9489081504_6e8f2d558f.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/fsw2kw ]Islay 2011 003[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/7904024@N08/ ]jimmyg352[/url], on Flickr

In this still...

[url= https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8227955028_0c2c5a7028.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8227955028_0c2c5a7028.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/dx5qnA ]015[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/7904024@N08/ ]jimmyg352[/url], on Flickr

Absolutely lovely just with ice.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 8:34 am
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Nice to see a discussion about gin, most blokes consider it similar to discussing your favourite musicals!

I'm definitely of the opinion that the tonic makes as much difference as the gin, but assuming we're all using a quality tonic, I'd agree with the poster above who mentioned the Aldi "Oliver Cromwell" London Gin. At £10 a bottle it's excellent. I first discovered it when making Sloe Gin a few years ago. It's pretty much perfect - full flavour, lots of subtle, complex sub flavours with no bitter aftertaste. It's become my standard "house gin"!
When out and about, I'll usually go for a Hendricks, Tanqueray 10 (standard Tanq is just too bland for my taste) or Bombay Sapphire.

G


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 8:46 am
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Tanqueray or Hendricks here.

But no cucumber because it's a vegetable comprised of pure evil.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 8:50 am
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Whatever looks interesting and is on offer. Unfortunately at the moment I'm stuck with a bottle of Gordons but the last one was Brecon Gin from the Penderyn distillery - that was good. I've found Fever Tree tonic makes a much nicer drink than Schweppes.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 8:54 am
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On Aldi at the moment but Tanqueray is my usual. Hendricks as a treat.

A tip I learned from someone who owns a fancy restaurant is to freeze slices of lime (or cucumber) before dropping them in - 1: it means you've always got a ready supply in, 2: it helps the ice out and 3: freezing ruptures the cells so more flavour gets out (may well be dodgy science. I haven't looked into it)


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 8:57 am
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All gins are definitely not alike. So many good ones in the country now from startups. I really like Blackdown which is made in Sussex, and is lovely by itself. Anno made in Kent is fantastic as well. Tonic should be Fever Tree.
Always have room for a Plymouth gin. The Tanqueray Ten is very good too.
As a Scot, really think the English should do more with their national spirit.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:00 am
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What other Gin based drinks are there? Not a fan of fizzyness so tonic is out.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:08 am
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Still got several litres of Bombay Sapphire left over from our wedding last year!


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:10 am
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If you just mix cheap gin with generic tonic you are missing a treat.

I've tried the posh stuff and am just as happy with Gordon's & Schweppes.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:12 am
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What other Gin based drinks are there? Not a fan of fizzyness so tonic is out.

[url= http://cocktails.about.com/od/cocktailrecipes/r/mrtni.htm ]Gin Martini?[/url]

G


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:12 am
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What other Gin based drinks are there?

There's a few here: http://summerfruitcup.wordpress.com/2010/12/05/cocktails-with-6-oclock-gin/


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:14 am
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fentimans tonic water is as good if not better that Fevertree imho

On the go at the moment we have seagrams gin, Jensons bermondsey gin & Bathtub gin.
All three are good and worth a try.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:18 am
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Gin and elderflower champagne with frozen raspberries and blueberries is a king amongst beverages


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:20 am
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The Botanist is lovely and the whiskey they make at the same place is pretty damned good too!

One to consider may be the single botanic gin that the bloke that started Tyrells crisps makes. Simple, pure, very nice.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:24 am
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I've tried the posh stuff and am just as happy with Gordon's & Schweppes.

Why not make your own then?

[img] http://images2.mysupermarket.co.uk/ProductsDetailed/57/009257.jpg?v=6 [/img][img] http://images.thehappymotorist.co.uk/product-images/big/saxafforestfresh.jp g" target="_blank">http://images2.mysupermarket.co.uk/ProductsDetailed/57/009257.jpg?v=6 [/img][img] http://images.thehappymotorist.co.uk/product-images/big/saxafforestfresh.jp g"/> [/img]


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:42 am
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lol @grahamS

We were at the Good Food show in Glasgow last weekend and i was surprised by the number of Gin stalls there were - i lost count at 7 after several double helpings (with and without tonic) 🙂

I picked up a bottle of Martin Millers for £20 as it was a good balance between dry and aromatic. Some of them were a bit too 😮 dry for me, but i was tempted by a bottle of the Edinburgh Gin were it not for the £25 price tag. Good to see lots of startups though producing spirit.

I have tried the botanist gin up there ^ and it is lovely, and note they are going to start distilling gin on Harris next year, before whisky production starts.

gin does make me feel horrendous mentally the next day though...


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 11:58 am
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Why not make your own then?

Because I value my eyesight.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 12:11 pm
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Always got a bottle of Plymouth in the house, currently joined by a Hendricks.
I was under the impression gin is just a flavoured vodka, it's just a specific way of flavouring.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 12:19 pm
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professor cornelius ampleforths bathtub gin.

any other gin just tastes shit now.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 12:27 pm
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I recently tried some sainsbury "taste the difference" type Gin which is reduced at the moment.

It's 43% and two glasses cost me a 24hr recovery not sure I even like Gin only bought it because Bradley nWiggins drinks the stuff.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 12:29 pm
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[img] [/img]

Dodds - not tried anything better yet! Botanist is also very nice indeed. Huge fan of waitrose own tonic - though Fevertree and Fentimans are nice - but don't hold their fizz as well.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 12:31 pm
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Sipsmiths for me though I will happily quaff Bombay or Tanqueray.
In fact currently I am, at this very moment, enjoying a Bombay and tonic by a pool in Abu Dhabi 🙂


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 12:42 pm
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We have Caorunn, Hendricks, Martin Millers, Bombay Sapphire and a bottle of Gordons in the back of the cupboard for emergencies. It doesn't do not to have a choice.

I have just remembered that we also have a bottle of the local option, Jack Cains.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 12:45 pm
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David Russell - my wife was there and knowing I like a g&t she got me a bottle of the Martin miller stuff, but also a bottle of chilli & lime gin.

Not had an excuse to try it yet but can't say I'm looking forward to it much - anyone else tried it?


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 2:25 pm
 Spin
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Not had an excuse to try it yet

You need an excuse?


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 2:46 pm
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McNeish's Nonexistant with Neitzche's Unheard Of tonic and wild polynichian limes and crushed pyreneechean galcier ice for me.

Of course.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 2:55 pm
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Adnam's Copper House gin is amazing in my view, particularly when combined with Fever Tree. It came 1st in some global contest last year (I think). I could not recommend this stuff more highly, it was a revelation. Some of the gins mentioned above I find a bit oily, this one is clean. Bit of a price premium on it but well worth it.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 3:50 pm
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Gordon's is ok... if you get the orginal recipe export strength edition...

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 4:11 pm
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we're fans of Aldi, but also Millers and Blackwood and Plymouth.

However, i've never really thought much about the tonic, price difference between schweppes and own brands is a lot. I am starting to find G+T too sweet, so i might give some of these other tonics listed above a try.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 4:13 pm
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Currently in the house is
Tanqeray 10
Hendricks
St. George terroir (from California, 'tis great)
Sipsmith

Would happily have any.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 5:16 pm
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I have a G & T almost every night.
It seems I'm missing out - just Gordon's and Schweppes.

Will Hendricks and Schweppes taste better or do I have to have a different tonic too?

Edit - I like the taste of straight Gordon's too - am I a filthy slut?


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 5:19 pm
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In an ideal world Sipsmiths + Fever Tree for me.

However the budget conscious Gordons and supermarket tonic is fine.

If your in the SW the Plymouth gin bar is worth a look.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 5:31 pm
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Give Gin Mare a try chaps. With sprig of rosemary


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 5:43 pm
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Had a great trip around the Bombay Sapphire distillery the other day. It's near Whitchurch - just off the A34 in Hampshire. Really, really well set up - everyone gets a cocktail with their visit, drivers get an alcohol free cocktail and a miniature Bombay Sapphire and some Fever Tree tonic to take away.

Fantastic Thomas Heatherwick 'greenhouses', a couple of beautiful old copper condensers, fantastic old buildings which used to house Portals' paper mill and excellent staff: a great afternoon out. We'll be going back soon!


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 6:16 pm
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chilli & lime gin.

:O i missed that one, lucky escape by the sounds of it.

you must now open it and provide a report!

off to pop a tanqueray ten and fever tree...


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 6:31 pm
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How is Bombay London Gin? 1l for £15 at Sainsburys at the moe,nt or is there a reason for that?


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 6:36 pm
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Chase Seville orange gin is nice and their smoked vodka makes an excellent bloody Mary!

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 6:53 pm
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They sell one in Newtons supermarket in Candolim, Goa that was 90 rupees 2 years ago (about £1.00 at today exchange rate) & you know what? It was/seemed no different to Morrisons cheap [s]shite[/s] stuff. & the only tonic you can get over there is Schweppes.
Plenty ice & ok after a Goan curry.
Wer'e going back in January. 🙂


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 6:59 pm
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Butlers or Jensens are my favourites.

For London based people head down to 214 in Bermondsey and try a gin flight with their own tonic water. Merchant House kind of between Bank and Smithfield know their stuff too.

Next best choice would be the Gin Mare from Brindisa.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 7:35 pm
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How is Bombay London Gin?

marketing, the drinks business has huge marketing budgets and have great success upscaling people to so called premium brands.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 7:37 pm
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Another vote for Botanist here, one of very few I actually enjoy neat with ice. Don't know if it's been mentioned, but Boe gin is a new favourite in our house.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 7:40 pm
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Sipsmiths, Tanq no 10 and Aldi London in that order. Love the stronger botanical flavour of the T 10 but it's not as drinkable as Sipsmiths if you want more than one.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 8:32 pm
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whoah missed this thread before.

Hendricks, Bombay Dry, Tanqueray, Fifty Pounds, Sapphire,Martin Miller most of the time, Citadelle and Monkey 47 when I fancy something a little different. I'm leaning back towards more "juniper first" gins and the Bombay dry and Hendricks tend to be what I reach for mid week most of the time, Sipsmith VSOJ my newest bottle. Good mixers make a difference but nothing too fancy as I like to taste the gin.Monkey 47 is nice neat to sip too


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:37 pm
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Mahon Gin from Menorca .

very fruity .


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:43 pm
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I'm just er, sampling the Bombay London Dry now, last bottle left at £17 at our Sainsburys. I like it.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:43 pm
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A couple of lads I was at college with now make this stuff:

http://www.warneredwards.com/index.php?route=common/home

People seem to like it, I've not tried it yet.

Any of the STW massive tried it? Thoughts?


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 9:46 pm
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A school friend of mine did part of his growing up in Malawi.

For a long time his folks had access supply of Malawi gin. Now that was something special.

Last bottle I bought was bombay sapphire. Never have it in the house these days as it takes me five years to get through a bottle.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 10:03 pm
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Surprised at how common my choices are

Hendricks and recently Aldi. The latter's bubbly is good too - much better than most overused prosecco


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 10:11 pm
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Sipsmith Sloe gin with bitter lemon is rather nice.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 10:16 pm
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I find this combination is really rather splendid

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 10:26 pm
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Hendricks


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 10:27 pm
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Mahon Gin from Menorca .

Oooh, I'd forgotten about this. Tried some last year and loved it, must pick up a bottle...


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 10:59 pm
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eyerideit - Member
Sipsmith Sloe gin with [b]bitter lemon[/b] is rather nice.

Thank god, I was beginning to think it was just me. Not sure about with sloe gin tho.


 
Posted : 22/10/2014 11:03 pm
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am I a filthy slut?
need more information 😆

An ex of mine and her friends used to have Gin night about once a month, it all started out quite innocently but the last one caused some drama 🙄 some women get really mean on Gin


 
Posted : 23/10/2014 7:11 am
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Williams Chase Gin (made from apples) and Haymans Reserve 1850 both worth a snort.


 
Posted : 27/11/2014 7:45 pm
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Still working my way through birthday bottles of Bathtub:

[img] http://images.selfridges.com/is/image/selfridges/414-3002380-BATHTUBGIN_M?$PDP_M$ [/img]

and Whitley Neill:

[img] [/img]

Both very nice in completely different ways.

Oh, and not forgetting the eight gin cocktails I'll be having at [url= http://www.tweatup.co.uk/ginstock-2014/ ]Ginstock[/url] with a couple of mates on Saturday.


 
Posted : 27/11/2014 7:54 pm
 Drac
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I've been eyeing the up today when I was in Fenwick's was torn between a few but this one caught my eye so I'll be getting one of these is coming weeks. Another local one.

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 27/11/2014 7:59 pm