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Gin
Gin is distilled from grain. Unflavoured gin typically has a dry flavour with hints of juniper, citrus, or even malt wine, depending on how it was made. Many gins may also taste slightly sweet and can be flavoured with a range of different spices or fruits. Like vodka, gin usually isn't aged.
Gin is a fascinating and versatile spirit with a rich history and a distinctive flavour profile. Here are some key points about gin:
Origin and History
- Origins: Gin originated as a medicinal liquor made by monks and alchemists across Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium, where it was known as jenever.
- Popularity in England: Gin became extremely popular in England after the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the subsequent import restrictions on French brandy. This period, known as the “Gin Craze” saw gin become the national drink of England, particularly within the working classes. Distilleries started to produce cheap versions to satisfy demand and allow more people to access it and it became known as “mothers ruin”.
Production
- Ingredients: The primary ingredient in gin is juniper berries, which give it its distinctive flavour. Other botanicals such as coriander, citrus peels, and various herbs and spices are also used.
- Distillation: Gin is typically distilled from a base of grains like barley, corn, rye, or wheat. The botanicals are added during the distillation process to infuse the spirit with their flavours.
Types of Gin
- London Dry Gin: This is the most common type of gin, known for its strong juniper flavour and dry profile.
- Plymouth Gin: A slightly sweeter and more earthy gin, which can only be produced in Plymouth, England.
- Old Tom Gin: A sweeter style of gin that was popular in the 18th century and is making a comeback.
- New Western or Contemporary Gin: These gins emphasize other botanicals alongside or instead of juniper, offering a wide range of flavours.
Popular Uses
- Cocktails: Gin is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, such as the Martini, Negroni, and Gin & Tonic.
- Liqueurs: Gin can also be used to make flavoured liqueurs, such as sloe gin, which is made by infusing gin with sloe berries and sugar.
Gin and Tonic
Tonic, particularly tonic water, is a carbonated soft drink that has a unique history and a distinctive bitter flavour. Here are some key points about tonic water:
History and Origin
- British Colonial India: Tonic water was originally developed as a medicinal drink. It contains quinine, which was used to prevent and treat malaria. British officials in colonial India mixed quinine with soda and sugar to make it more palatable, leading to the creation of tonic water, specifically Indian Tonic Water.
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River Test Distillery Gin 70cl 43%£37.95£37.95
River Test Chalkstream Gold Gin 70cl 40%£37.95£37.95
River Test Distillery 5cl 43%£5.25£5.25
Twisted Nose Watercress Dry Gin 70cl 40%£38.95£38.95£37.95
Test Valley Gin 70cl 37.5%£34.95£34.95
Balvenie Doublewood 12 Year Old 5cl 40%£6.95£6.95
River Test Distillery Sunset Citrus Gin 70cl 42%£37.95£37.95
River Test Distillery Sunset Citrus Gin 5cl 42%£5.25£5.25
Mermaid Zest Gin 5cl 40%£5.50£5.50
Isle of Wight Pink Mermaid Gin 5cl 38%£5.50£5.50
Isle of Wight Mermaid Gin 5cl 42%£5.50£5.50
Jaffa Cake Gin 5cl 42%£6.95£6.95
Isle of Wight Mermaid Zest Gin 70cl 40%£43.00£43.00£41.00
Isle of Harris Gin 70cl 45%£45.00£45.00
Glenallachie 15 Year Old 5cl 46%£8.50£8.50
Mackmyra Stjarnrok 5cl 46.1%£8.00£8.00
Isle of Wight Mermaid Gin 70cl 42%£43.00£43.00£38.00
GlenDronach 12 Year Old 43% 5cl£6.75£6.75
Mackmyra Svensk Ek 5cl 46.1%£7.75£7.75
Mackmyra Limousin 5cl 46.1%£8.00£8.00
Tomintoul 10 5cl 40%£6.45£6.45
Tobermory Gin 5cl 43.3%£4.35£4.35
Winchester Round Table Dry Gin 70cl 44%£38.95£38.95
Islay Storm 5cl 40%£5.20£5.20
Glengoyne 12 5cl 43%£7.65£7.65
GlenAllachie 12 5cl 46%£6.75£6.75
Mackmyra Svensk Rok 5cl 46.1%£7.75£7.75
Loch Lomond 12 Year Old 5cl 46%£6.00£6.00
Glengoyne 10 5cl 40%£6.80£6.80
GlenAllachie Aged 8 Years 5cl 46%£5.75£5.75
Nordes Gin 5cl 40%£4.25£4.25
Tarquins Cornish Dry Gin Miniature 5cl 42%£5.75£5.75
Macallan Aged 12 Years Double Cask 5cl 40%£12.50£12.50
Bombay Sapphire 5cl 40%£3.25£3.25
Tomintoul Peaty Tang 5cl 40%£5.95£5.95
