A gin flight at Flintridge Proper; the operator likes to introduce guests to small-batch gins.
Another recent innovation to the category is aged gin. Placed
in barrels after distillation, aged gin takes on color, body and
complexity that renders it perfect for sipping neat, like whiskey
or aged tequila.
France's Citadelle gin in 2008 was the first to release an aged
version of its gin. Other companies have followed suit in recent
years, including Few Spirits in Illinois, and West Virginia's
Smooth Ambler.
Beefeater recently launched Burrough's Reserve, a handcrafted, ultra-premium gin made with the original Beefeater
recipe. The gin is distilled in the original copper Still Number
12 of company founder James Burrough then finished in rare
oak barrels hand-selected by its master distiller.
And New York Distilling Company this past fall collaborated
with cocktail historian David Wondrich to launch Chief
Gowanus New-Netherland Gin, an aged gin with hops thrown
into the mix.
A classic Martini at Flintridge Proper.
tangy flavor. "Russell Henry's Malaysian Lime Gin makes one
of the best gimlets we've ever had," notes Caverly. "Flavored gins
are fun, and have their place in making interesting cocktails or
putting a flavorful twist on a classic."
24
| JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014
SAVORY GIN DRINKS
Because of its botanicals—which can range from citrus and
coriander to orris root and cardamom—gin works well in
cocktails that contain herbs and other aromatic ingredients.
Mixologist Derrick Bass of Willie Jane, a 50-seat comfortfood restaurant in Venice, CA, offers the Garden ($10), with
fennel-infused gin, citron geranium-infused vodka, Lillet Blanc
and lime. "Gin used to be a summertime spirit, but now we are
seeing it incorporated into more cocktails," Bass says. Willie
Jane offers six gins, priced from $8 to $12.
www.cheersonline.com
