Another year on the Gin: Marks & Spencer Gin 22

Well here's a funny thing: this is a Marks and Spencer's commissioned gin that is being made in France who's USP is that it is "oaked aged"... which seems like a funny thing to do with a gin. Sure a brown spirit seems to loan itself to aging with it's mellow richness and a gin, with all of its spritely, fresh flavours would seem to be the opposite of that, so it was with so trepidation that I got a bottle, and I'm glad I did. The ageing has certainly mellowed the spirit but there's not an oakiness or a woodines to get in the way of the spirits botanicals. Granted it's not a "bright" gin, the aging has "simplified" the flavour profile somewhat but (and it's an significant but) this is still a very pleasant experience both on its own and in the #gnt - especially with lemon. Get on this one. #m&s #marksandspencer #gin #gins #ginstagram #booze #boozereviews #norlanglass #twitter #snapseed #anotheryearonthegin #iphone6plus

21 Likes, 2 Comments - Mach V (@djmachv) on Instagram: "Well here's a funny thing: this is a Marks and Spencer's commissioned gin that is being made in..."

Another year on the gin: Whittaker's Pink Particular Gin

New year, new gin: this is another shining example of a small batch distilled Yorkshire based gin. Whittaker's is already picking up plaudits for its 4 signature gins; this one is their pink variety blending a bold, brash but balanced blend of hibiscus, pink peppercorn and cardamon botanicals. It's a deep, dark and smoky flavour but I must admit it's not to my particular palate. Personally I kept wanting to have more of the hibiscus flavour but then I prefer the more flowery and citrusy gin profiles but if you like the peppery and spicy gins you should take time to check this one out. Tasting done - as ever - with a #norlanglass #gin #ginstagram #gins #whittakersgin #booze #gnt #ginandtonic #snapseed #twitter

31 Likes, 1 Comments - Mach V (@djmachv) on Instagram: "New year, new gin: this is another shining example of a small batch distilled Yorkshire based gin...."

A Year on the Gin: 2017 Round up

So farewell then... to 2017 and a year on the gin. I've tasted in excess of 15 (I lost count) different gins this year (which, in itself, could be considered excessive for one person) most were great and some... well... but that's not important right now! What I guess matters is what was the best gin that I drank; and of course there is no "one gin" that will do everything - though tanqueray no.10 is pretty close to the most utilitarian gin (if it just wasn't so pricey) - but if I was to recommend one gin to drink that won't break the bank too much it would be Cotswolds Dry (if you've fallen in love with Hven you can "slum it" and save £'s by drinking Cotswolds dry; Hven is outstanding but a very expensive tipple). It's sweet, sharp, citrussy and excellently versatile gin and its price point won't break the bank. However my personal top gin discovery of the year would be Jinzu - though it's a speciality flavour with it's plummy sake overtones, it's just so fun and surprising and different I'm always wanting to have a bottle in the cupboard just so I can have that taste available to me. But the best most outstanding gin is Monkey 47. It's so amazing I wouldn't (couldn't) want to mix it with anything... and that's the problem - it's great as a treat to have a nip but sadly I can't waste valuable drinks cupboard space on a sipping gin. Stay tuned to see if 2018 will bring new gins to the front of the cupboard! #gin #ginstagram #gins #booze #2017 #2017roundup #gnt #ginandtonic #snapseed #twitter #review #hvengin #cotswoldsdrygin #monkey47 #jinzu #jinzugin

29 Likes, 3 Comments - Mach V (@djmachv) on Instagram: "So farewell then... to 2017 and a year on the gin. I've tasted in excess of 15 (I lost count)..."