Last week saw a fabulous gin tasting appear in my diary – local too. Somewhat inconveniently it was also my anniversary – 11 years since Mr GFB and I first dated. Luckily I knew another local lady, Flora Vice, who eagerly stepped in to assist.
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Well, What can I say? I’m 35 and female… I’m a statistic, and there is no denying I enjoy a tipple of what my favourite comedian refers to as ‘mascara thinner,’ (Gin) So when the opportunity to sample a selection fell into my lap, I jumped at the chance.
The inside track from my side is I’m a newbie. I’d never attended a tasting before. My drinking if I’m honest has been predominantly recreational as opposed to educational. But as a lover of new experiences and my fixed QI mentality, I delighted in the idea of developing my palate and writing my first blog post.
This gin tasting evening was the first of a fresh series of tasting events named ‘Lips That Touch Liquor,’ Generously hosted may I add by Proof in Chorlton, on the last Thursday of every month.
Notably the accompanying flyer states Free Entry- Free Knowledge- Free Spirit .
Irresistible I hear you say.. ? Indeed, people of Manchester start sharpening your elbows…
Arriving early to a sea of elegantly set tables I was served a classic gin and tonic as I found my seat. My brain ticked over and I knew the evening was going to be a delicious one.
As more gin fans flowed through the doors and took to their reservations, Proof transformed. A cocktail lounge meets cosy classroom vibe ensued. Dishes of aromatic samples circulated the bar for all to experience whilst the expert lovelies from Proof regaled us with the history of gin and its production. By aromatic samples, I mean botanicals – raw juniper berries, almonds, coriander, orris root, liquorice. citrus peel, the list goes on. My nose and taste buds were in sensory heaven.
The first drink we sampled was a glass of Nana’s favourite Beefeater, followed by what had been my usual favourite gin a snifter of Bombay Sapphire.
Next on the list was Tanqueray , famously name checked in the song Gin and Juice. It’s a premium gin but the scent appeared too overpoweringly citrusy for me – not dissimilar to a KFC wet wipe when I come to think of it.
Following this introduction to familiar gins, Proof swept us off the beaten track with a new gin.
The eponymously named Portobello Road. This gin had a uniquely peppery taste and I was giddy to learn that Portobello Road offers the service of mixing a custom bottle of gin to ones own botanical selection.. Mmmm.
After I was delivered from the bottom of this glass my notes were getting a tad wobbly but like some tipsy blog wonder woman I carried on..
A tot of Hayman’s Old Tom followed, then Sloanes. This gin I was informed won the prestigious San Francisico award in 2011. It was kind of similar to a classic London gin with a creamy , almost soda -ish, after taste. Then we went on to sample Warner Edwards. This gin is made in rural Northamptonshire at one of Britain’s newest small scale distilleries. An adorable citrusy gin which carried a hint of lavender. Yummy, divine I say.
After all this tasting our gin guides at Proof rounded off the evening with a Spanish number named Gin Mare. Despite the ominous name, I could only liken the taste to a Mediterranean holiday in a glass. My new found favourite. With its olive and rosemary overtones it made a girl wish she could jump the next taxi to the airport. Bikini in one hand, gin in the other. I’m sure the cab driver would understand wouldn’t he?
So there it was, My first gin tasting adventure under my belt.
For such a glorious evening I need to say my thankyous. I doff my cap to Proof and the visiting gin experts who were all perfect hosts. I’m already itching to put my name down for the next event. (Elbows at the ready)
And in case you were wondering, Dylan Moran got it wrong. I made it home with my mascara completely intact .