The days when a gin-tonic tasted only in summer are behind us. Since the great Gin-Tonic revival a few years ago, this classic drink has become a year-round staple. Not surprising of course, because a gin-tonic has everything to charm anyone who wants to take the time to look for his or her favourite gin and matching tonic. Bitter, dry, sweet or especially very spicy? It's basically all possible in a gin tonic.
Whether you choose a Schweppes, the trendy Fever Tree or the unrivalled premium tonic of Erasmus Bond, we leave you free to do so. In this blog, we look for the most popular gins for this autumn.
Citadelle
The Sud-Ouest has everything: the sun, the sea, the countryside.... And, of course, the Château de Bonbonnet, the birthplace of Citadelle Gin. The juniper berries growing at the château gave master distiller Alexandre Gabriel an idea: to become the pioneer of French gin. It was 1996, the project was maddening, but Citadelle Gin was born! Citadelle is a true châteaugin. It is at the chateau that the juniper berries are harvested to make French gin. The castle is also home to the distillery. Whether with a small gin tonic by the sea or a dozen oysters in the fisherman's hut, Citadelle is to be enjoyed with family and friends and without forgetting the lemon zest for the finishing touch.
Not only the standard Citadelle, but also the latest Jardin dÉté is stringing together awards and gold medals. The Citadelle Jardin d'Été has a fresh and intense nose where the scents of citrus fruit and juniper berries are immediately recognisable. You are also going to discover more floral scents, such as those of violets, and a slight herbal touch.
The freshness of the nose continues into the palate and the floral flavour comes in immediately. These floral flavours are accompanied by a slight spiciness. The fruity character of melon and tangerines is also noticeable. The spiciness mainly emerges later where you can enjoy nutmeg and angelica.
Combine this gin with Erasmus Bond Classic and a lemon zest to serve the perfect Gin&Tonic!
Mombasa Club
Mombasa Club Gin is a typical retro gin and is made according to a nineteenth-century recipe. It was originally intended for British settlers in Mombasa, Kenya. These settlers established the first exclusive club, the mythical Mombasa Club. Only members of course only Englishmen have the privilege of enjoying this gin. Today, this spirit is made with carefully selected aromatic herbs and plants to revive the exclusive recipe and authentic taste. There is also a version with strawberries, which gives a sweeter taste experience.
Scapegrace
Two New Zealanders didn't know each other very well until one married the other's sister. It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it is the story behind Scapegrace. The two new brothers-in-law discovered that they had both long dreamed of having their own gin. They found a third partner (a musician) and started their own distillery. They bought an old whisky kettle, searched for the 12 ideal botanicals and so they first created a gin that has since won several gold medals. Then they expanded with some special versions of the gin, and recently they started making vodka and their own whisky. Scapegrace started with an unlikely encounter, but has since become a real established brand.
Scapegrace Black is characterised by its very dark colour obtained thanks to natural ingredients. No dyes are used to colour this gin, so the hue of each batch can vary from dark purple to green.
Kyrö
The story of Kyro begins in a sauna in Finland. A group of friends drink rye whisky together and wonder why no one in Finland makes it themselves. The idea of starting their own distillery grows from there. They start looking for a suitable location, and find an old dairy that seems perfect. They experiment with recipes and before long they have their first product. They have that tasted at the Whisky Show in London to anyone who wants it. The feedback is very good, so they are now sure they are on the right track. Meanwhile, while the whisky is maturing, they make gin, which soon wins many awards. The basis of their drinks is always 100% rye and the philosophy that by dreaming and daring you achieve the most.
Ferdinand's
Where the Saar meets the Moselle, near the border triangle between Germany, Luxembourg and France, lies one of Germany's most intriguing wine regions. There, where the world's very best Riesling producers are located, the story of Ferdinand's began in 2013. Dennis Reinhardt and Erik Wimmers, passionate wine lovers, brought together two traditional producers from the region. Dorothee Zilliken of the Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken winery creates gins, vermouths, liqueurs and other high-class drinks together with master distiller Andreas Vallendar. Their products are thus a true ode to the region.
Gin Sea
The Spanish Gin Sea was created by renowned sommelier Manuel Barrientos. The Gin Sea owes its distinct character to the spirit, distilled five times, which is purchased in England. It is then flavoured and further matured at the small Hacha distillery in Amurio, Spain. Some of the botanicals used: juniper berries, coriander, thyme, peppermint, liquorice, cardamom, orange and lemon. The aromas of the Gin Sea have a maritime character, supported by a touch of wild mint, chamomile and liquorice. In the flavour palette we further find cardamon and chamomile, deliciously combined with a sweet orange note.
Aviation
Aviation Gin was born from a collaboration between master mixologist Ryan Magarian and House Spirit's Distillery in Portland. They had one mission in mind: to prove that Gin is "The world's most mixable drink" and to move away from "the dictatorship of juniper". They wanted to create a new image for gin, the New Western Dry Gin. The brand name "Aviation" harks back to the classic cocktail invented in New York almost a century ago.
Meanwhile, Aviation Gin also got a familiar face behind it with actor Ryan Reynolds becoming a co-owner of the brand. With the immense popularity of the Deadpool films, it probably does not surprise anyone that this Aviation gin is also gaining name recognition.
Farmer's Gin
Farmer's Gin is a high-quality American gin. It is made in Idaho along the banks of the Snake River, in the Northwestern USA. It is produced in small batches and starts from organically certified wheat harvested on the family farm Thousand Springs Mill. Distilling is done in Rigby, Idaho, and then an infusion of botanicals such as juniper, elderflower, lemongrass, coriander and angelica is done. This gives it a rich, complex character. It is finally bottled at a slightly higher strength than usual for gin, namely 47.8% ABV, with no sugar or artificial additives added.
Magellan
In 1519, five ships led by Ferdinand de Magellan sailed around the world. He discovered "spice islands". Magellan Blue Gin is handcrafted in small batches using the finest natural exotic botanicals from around the world at the Angeac distillery. Distillation is done in four batches. Magellan immediately stands out for its blue colour and exotic-looking bottle. The exclusive blue colour is obtained in the final stage of the distillation process by soaking iris flowers in the product obtained so far, which naturally contributes to the blue colour.
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I've known Broekmans since I graduated in 2006 and thanks to Jan I've come to know the passion for spirits. I dedicate myself every day to the webshop, customer service and all the IT involved. In my spare time, besides whiskey, I can also really enjoy rum, but just as much as a gin tonic or a simple bellini. In the words of Martien Meiland, if there's no alcohol in it, don't call me!
