What is your idea of the best gin?!
What is your idea of the best gin?
... and while were on the subject: Have you ever had a gin gimlet? I've heard some recipes call for one part gin to one part lime cordial!??!?!!? That seems like a terrible way to treat gin... how do you like to drink your gin?
Oh... one last thing... without intending to offend anyone, if you don't like to drink alcohol or you don't appreciate gin, I would suggest you try sodding off... this question is directed to those who have a penchant to imbibe gin. Thank you ever so...
Answers:
This answer won't be popular, but for me, the best gin is the worst gin. Let me explain:
As you already know, gin is basically grain alcohol (vodka) infused with a variety of herbs. The cornerstone of any gin is the juniper flavor, which all gin is generally known by. If you like juniper, you like gin, and if you don't, well... Anyway, most gins have a variety of other herbs and flavorings in them, and this gives each brand of gin its own unique taste. Generally, the fancier (more expensive) the gin is, the greater is the variety of herbs used in the gin. Tanqueray Ten and Bombay Sapphire are good examples of these "everything gins." This has turned into a major marketing point, and has gotten out of hand to the point that the number of flavoring herbs that goes into the gin has become as much of a selling point as the gin itself. Personally, I like plain, ordinary gin--and that means juniper, and lots of it. Juniper happens to be a very inexpensive herb, and consequently, it is used in very large amounts in the cheaper gins. So, McCormack and Seagram's and such will have a much stronger juniper flavor that other gins. If I want subtlety and a variety of herbs, I'll order a mixed greens salad. If I want gin, I'll drink the cheap stuff.
My preferred drink is a gin and tonic, mixed about 1:3, with a good splash of fresh lime juice thrown in. Occasionally, I'll sip it straight-up, and it seems to taste better out of a tin cup when I do.
I've never tried or heard of a gin gimlet, but it sounds pretty awful. Judging by the ingredients, I imagine it to be a poor man's gin and tonic, and I imagine it would be about as close to it as grape Kool-Aid would be to wine.