Continuing on from my previous post about vodkas, when the Drinks Enthusiast invited a few bloggers to meet him at Manchester 235 to try some new spirits.
Whilst the vodkas were amazing, given the title of this blog and my own personal tastes I was especially interested in this little group, the gins.
The G’Vine gins are unusual, as they come from France, not exactly well known for its gin production. These gins use grape as a base rather than grain and in particular grapes from the Cognac region. Once distilled, this spirit is infused as any other gin, but these botanicals are juniper berries, cassia bark, ginger root, lime, nutmeg, coriander, green cardomom, cubeb berries and liquorice. Blended in two different ways to create two different gins.
Flouraison (made in June to make use of the vine flower which is also infused into the gin spirit) is light, floral, that has a powdery lavender scent to it. It’s perfume is deliciously clean and elegant and it has a gentle creaminess that still stays light.
Nouraison is made a little later in the summer and uses the small berries on the vine, rather than the flowers. This means it’s a little earthier, richer, and lingers on the back of the tongue. The nutmeg is more prevalent in this one. It’s a gin that would lend itself to the autumn of the year, rather than the summer. Currently available: online Look for it in: Socio Rehab, The Violet HourG’Vine Basil Smash
Glass – Rocks
Ingredients – 60ml G’Vine Nouaison Half a lemon, cut in triangles 25ml sugar syrup Handful of basil
Although not a gin, I’ve included the next spirit in this little bundle as it comes from the same company – June, is a liqueur infused solely with the vine flower (as used in the Flouraison gin). Once harvested, the flowers from merlot, ugni and cabernet-sauvignon vines are introduced to the spirit and left to ensure as much flavour as possible is extracted.
What you’re left with is beautifully floral liqueur, not only pretty on the nose – smelling of roses and grapes and pear but you almost get a hint of bubblegum, parma violets and Turkish delight. It’s glorious, probably my favourite drink of the evening,
Currently available: online
Look for it in: It’s yet to find its way into any bars in Manchester (someone get it in please – I’ll move in)
The Floral Martini
Glass – Martini
Ingredients – 15ml June 45ml G’Vine Flouraison 15ml Dry Vermouth 3 dashes Orange BittersMethod – Stir all ingredients with ice and then strain into chilled Martini glass
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