Gin Review: RTD Forest Gin with Steep Soda

Once upon a time, the only gin in a tin you could get would be from M&S and whilst it was lovely, flavours and styles wise you were limited.

It was generally my tipple of choice on a train journey, especially those back from London where I’d trekked across the city all day, often on a hot sunny day (Christmas in July events especially) and it was a way to wind down on my way back to the cooler northern climes.

Since then, it’s expanded hugely. Brands both big and small have gotten involved, and we’ve stepped away from the classic G&T too. I’m a definite fan, and I don’t care if you want to turn your nose up at it. It’s easily recyclable, light and easy to carry and there’s no faffing with bottle openers. Oh and you get the ideal mix every time.

The latest to join this revolution is long time favourites Forest Gin. I’ve long been a fan of both of their gins, and their whisky, and let’s face it, the whole bunch of them. And now, they’ve teamed up with Manchester locals, Steep Soda Company to create their own two ready to drink cans.

These started off as a bit of a one off – but with all good ideas, they sell like hot cakes, or, er, cans of gin and soda. And me, being the lucky little bunny I am, received a can of each to try, and given the current heatwave, they couldn’t have arrived at a better time!

The first I sampled is the sweeter of the two, the Gin & Soda, with Hibiscus Lemonade. As you lift the glass, you get lots of citrus, a little sherbet. It’s refreshing, lightly sweet and tart, with a soft bitterness, almost the kind you’d find in a cloudy lemonade. Easy to drink and thirst quenching.   

The second is the Grapefruit & Rosemary.

There’s much more citrus peel on the nose of this, you can almost taste the oils. The palate is light, but with a more herbal bitterness, more savoury, sitting at the back of the mouth. It lingers a little after sipping.

It’s so easy to see why they’re flying off the shelves and this little one-off is turning into something more. Both are the lighter, ‘hard seltzer’ style of drink, so easy on the sugar, light, and enjoyable. And as with all gin in a tin, eminently portable, whether you’re at home in the garden, enjoying a distanced picnic with friends, or just sipping them after work with your feet up on the sofa (like me).

Keep an eye out on their social feed for availability, and stock up!