| COCKTAIL GIN-ERATION |
It is common for contemporary gins to use both maceration and vapour infusion to best express the botanicals. Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, expertly manages to tie both methods together, choosing a complex array of 12 botanicals; angelica, caraway, cardamom, coriander, grapefruit, gunpowder green tea, juniper, lemon, makrut lime, meadowsweet, orris root and star anise. The citrus and tea are vapour-infused, while the rest are macerated. Delightfully well-balanced, yet botanically loud and aptly named for the classic gunpowder green tea that is at the forefront. Gunpowder green tea is created by rolling each tea leaf into a ball to resemble gunpowder. A gin cocktail should highlight one or more of the botanicals involved, and in the case of the Lime Leaf Sour, the makrut lime, whose leaves are commonly used in South Asian cuisine, is given some worthy attention in this cocktail. One of the strongest impacts in defining the personality of a contemporary gin, is the botanical recipe, so distillers often look for unique botanicals that will help their gin stand out in a competitive market. Sheringham Seaside Gin, a locally produced BC favourite, won Best Contemporary Gin at the 2019 World Gin Awards, a worthy praise for this unique gin expression. Ten botanicals are used in this gin; angelica, cardamom, coriander, juniper, winged kelp, lavender, lemon, orange, orris root and rose petals. The winged kelp gives this gin its subtle savoury character, balanced with pine, citrus, floral notes and thought-provoking spice. The cocktail Seaside Spring
LIME LEAF SOUR 5 lime leaves (save 1 for garnish) 2 x 1-in (2.5 cm) coin of ginger, peeled 1 egg white 2 oz (60 ml) Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin ¾ oz (22 ml) orgeat (almond syrup) 1 oz (30 ml) lime juice freshly grated cinnamon, for garnish 1 lime leaf, for garnish In a cocktail shaker, muddle 4 lime leaves and ginger then combine egg white, gin, orgeat and lime juice. Shake vigorously and fine strain into a chilled cocktail coupe. Garnish with freshly grated cinnamon and lime leaf.
DRUMSHANBO GUNPOWDER IRISH GIN Ireland $54.99 83028 Contemporary and not confined by tradition, this gin creatively features gunpowder green tea, an explosive trio of bright citrus and exotic spices that support the juniper.
Collins on page 39 highlights the citrus and floral botanicals, and a pinch of salt complements this gin where the forest meets the sea.
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