Summer Gin Discovery

Gin- the big summer tipple off

We all know Gin has seen the most incredible resurgence in the past 5 years. Younger consumers are discovering new and intriguing brands and flavours, backed by good bar managers and owners looking to give their customers something a bit different.

As a bar manager myself i know this all too well. I search the internet for fun products to showcase in a cocktail of the week, or a special. Variety is key, and allowing a natural up-sell flow from house brands to interesting products i truly care about is what makes my job fun. allowing the customer to broaden their horizons to new flavours and combinations is so interesting, granted it doesn't work all the time but seeing the look on someones face when they really enjoy something i've recommended is priceless, and ultimately why i'm here.

So here's my summer 2017 Gin and Mixer choices. Showcased in Sub 13's Gin Collection. Released at the beginning of Spring alongside our new bar launch this menu has proven to be a massive success, due to its variety, familiarity of brands and aesthetics.

Hendrick's Gin

An old favourite, Hendrick's has been booming due to its fantastic cucumber, rose and elderflower flavours. It's certainly proving most popular at Sub 13 currently and i'm not surprised. It looks so delicious, and it's simple garnish combinations that compliment the structure of the Gin that really make a difference.

Hendricks Gin, Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic, Rose Petals, Edible Flower, Cucumber Spiral

Eden Mill Love Gin

You only have to glance at this adorable ceramic bottle on the back bar to want to try it. Harking from St Andrews, Scotland, this beautiful Pink Gin is famous for it's floral and warm berry notes. Yes it's girlie- but this Gin really holds it's own with punchy juniper and vanilla notes.

Eden Mill Love Gin, Fever Tree Aromoatic Tonic, Crushed Juniper Berries, Tart Redcurrants and Raspberries

Potrtobello Road No.171

With a classic London Dry style, Portobello boasts the use of  9 classic botanicals to really give it that stand out Gin flavour. They suggest serving with a big wedge of grapefruit, but i think this gin needs subtler pairings as the liquid it's self is so fantastic on it's own.

Portobello Road No.171, Fever Tree Indian Tonic, Broken Cinnamon Sticks, Dehydrated Orange and Crushed Raspberries       

Cotswold Dry Gin

Voted Best London Dry Gin in the World Gin Awards, Cotswold is deliciously smooth, creamy, punchy and downright delicious. The first time i tried this gin i was genuinely blown away. It's got so much intensity yet it's botanicals are balanced so delicately. For this serve i had to create a combination that could sit boldly next to the incredible flavours in the gin, whilst being complimentary.

Cotswold Dry Gin, Orgeat, Pressed Apple Juice, Blackberries and Bay Leaves

William's Grapefruit Gin

From the big boys at Chase Distillery this Gin is the citrus lover's haven! It is the best flavoured gin i have tried, it's aroma is bold with incredible bitter grapefruit pungency. To tackle the strength of flavour in this gin, i decided to pair it with something a little different.

Williams Chase Grapefruit Gin, Fever Tree Ginger Ale, Regan's Orange Bitters, Grapefruit Peel, Fresh Grapefruit, Juniper

You can find all of these gins and more at Sub 13, George Street, Bath. 2 for £13 all night long with a fantastic rotating array of Gins, and other spirits Sub is the place to be for a large glass of something cold this summer.

All measures are 50ml as standard for these reciepes. The amount of Tonic/Mixer you add is up to you. Try a little at first then keep adding.

All photographs Ben Harcom benjaminharcom.com