The Gin Fiend

Hendrick’s Gin

They say: Handcrafted gin with traditional botanicals, juniper, coriander, and citrus peel but the special infusion of cucumber and rose petals creates a unique and unexpected flavour.

Despite the possibilities of surprise, most people shrink away from what is odd. But there are those who seek it, individuals who are truly excited by what is strange and different.

Made with a free and imaginitive spirit.

We say: This is the unexpected guest that ends up making the party. She knows she has a unique flavour and she’s not afraid of demanding your undivided attention. A few fine slices of cucumber, a dash of noilly prat and you’ll have a remarkably unique and perfect English Summer martini. That said, once you’re addicted to its temptingly cucumber based wiles it will be a hard one to resist.

ABV: 41.3%
Price: £25
Country of origin: Scotland
Versatility: 3/10
Flavour: 9/10
Depth: 8/10
URL: http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=1667

The Gin Fiend Says: 8/10

Pink 47 London Dry Gin

They say: The Khavaraya, a legendary Pink Diamond, carried with it a blessing and a curse: Whoever possesed it could command any mortal to do their bidding in love. But the curse was this - if the love was forced, it would lead to certain death. It was first owned by Darius, King of Persia then passed to Alexander the Great when he conquered that empire. Alexander used it to seduce Bagoas, a slave, and died soon after. In the turmoil that followed the Khavaraya was lost. But there have been many rumours and legends about it since. Some say that this fabulous jewel never really existed…we say that you have just found it! The spirit of the Khavaraya lives on in Pink 47 London Dry Gin. Expertly distilled with 12 Botanicals, it has the crisp, dry taste of a true London gin but with several extra facets to its unique and complex flavour. At 47% alcohol, it is strong too, the correct strength for a perfect martini!

We say: Its premium, no mistake. The first time you’ll notice that is its dent on your wallet, the second time you’ll notice is when the 47% alcohol nurtures your work addled brain into a delicate botanically infused oddly neutrally coloured fug. Its a unique gin, no mistake and don’t be put off by the tonal connotations. Its all from the bottle! That said, its best enjoyed in a posh frock with a hint of orange bitters. Toodle-pip. 

ABV: 47%
Price: £21
Country of origin: UK
Versatility: 8/10
Flavour: 8/10
Depth: 7/10
URL: http://www.drinkon.com/Details/SP999759/Detail/Spirit

The Gin Fiend Says: 8/10

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Blackfriars London Dry Gin

They say: Produced by Greenalls. This export strength Gin presents a soft rounded palate with delicate juniper flavours. Works well neat or with a mixer.

We say: You could do a lot worse. Punchy notes of citrus with a vague but rewarding bitterness. Aromatic, crisp and good for mixing and decanting. You wouldn’t be ashamed to have it in a martini, and you could drink two for the cost.

ABV: 38%
Price: £12.5
Country of origin: UK
Versatility: 8/10
Flavour: 6/10
Depth: 6/10
URL: http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/groceries/index.jsp?bmUID=1276713353402

The Gin Fiend Says: 6/10 (premium budget)

Cork Irish Gin

They say: Cork Dry Gin, in its square shaped bottle is Ireland’s most popular gin and has a long association with the city of Cork. Cork Dry Gin was first distilled in 1793 to an original recipe using botanicals and spices brought to the port of Cork by sailing ships from around the world. This recipe has been handed down through eight generations of Cork distillers maintaining the strong ties with the city, whose crest proudly adorns every bottle of Cork Dry Gin.

We say: Avoid, no seriously. This bottle sparked an ‘extinction level event’ argument. Wet, and anger inspiring.

ABV: 38%
Price: £20
Country of origin: Ireland
Versatility: 4/10
Flavour: 3/10
Depth: 1/10
URL: http://www.irishdistillers.ie/brands/corkdrygin.shtml

The Gin Fiend Says: 2/10 (avoid like the potato famine)