I’m about to spend an entire month without alcohol. Yes, I know. This is going to be really hard.
Running has started to take over. Invading my diary, my diet and now my alcohol consumption. All because I’m running the Preston Guild Marathon and, well, if I want to hit 26.2 and raise money for charity, the booze has to go for a bit.
So to make up for it September has been alcohol heavy, 7 Word Wine Review, Whisky Festival. And when Allan Hudd of 24 Bar and Grill sent me a tweet suggesting I pop by for a gin? Oh, yes please.
I remember 24 from it’s Obsidian days, when I used to visit quite often – the cocktail bar was as well known as the restaurant. Then it changed name and no-one knew what to expect. It’s now enlivening it’s cocktail bar to go with it’s new persona.
What I was definitely pleased to see was the spread of alcohol on the bar – not just the variety, but the quality as well. It’s one way to ensure I’m impressed without saying a word.
So to the gin. I had been pointed to the 24 originally for sipping gins, so Allan made a selection and off we went.
Firstly Williams Chase – British so a bonus point already – but what really impresses is the process. Made with apples to create the base, it’s a very crisp light, taste, which still maintains a nice juniper kick.
Onto the second choice, Brokers – a nice little contrast to the Chase. This is heavier on the juniper, drier and has a heavier mouthfeel, but there’s still a nice citrus bite.
Third up was a nice little offering from the USA, No. 209. I didn’t realise (and it’s only since writing I discovered) that this is a completely kosher gin – deliberately so. Flavour wise, you can tell it’s an American style gin, moving away from London dry and juniper heavy gins, this is lighter, more citrussy in flavour. A pleasant sipping gin, but more, I suspect, one for mixing.
Fourth choice was Martin Miller’s. I know it’s a favourite of the Drinks Enthusiast and I can see why. It’s flavours are a little more complex, there’s more floral in this gin than the others, a touch of spice that isn’t overpowering and the citrus element really lingers on the palate. It really is a perfect sipping gin, soft in the mouth.
Finally, as I know (and love) Sipsmith rather well, Allan decided to we’d try something different. Plymouth Navy Strength gin should be overheavy. It should be too much on it’s own. Yet it isn’t. It’s heavy, yes; but it almost has the presence of a whisky, warming, spicy slightly oily on the back of the tongue, but not, as you’d expect, unpleasantly fiery, nor did it over linger afterwards. Probably my second favourite of the tasting after the Miller’s – the marmalade aspect of it winning me over.
As I hadn’t had enough gin (can you ever?), Allan was kind enough to make me a couple of cocktails. The first, the Mother’s Ruined, is based on a Zombie, but uses gin rather than rum. I can tell you it packs a punch – in a good way. By the way, mine was a small one – they do one twice the size….
He then treated me to something special – honey, marmalade, gin, gingerbread syrup, citrus peel… Based on a capirinha cocktail, this was heavenly. I only wish I’d been sober enough to ask it’s name. Rookie mistake.
I guess, when my marathon is done, I’ll just have to pop back again. Oh dear. What a hardship that’ll be…