a little book on... gins, tonics & garnishes
A little book, containing a wealth of information.
We recently reviewed the wonderful ‘Fever Tree - The Art of Mixing: Simple long drinks & cocktails from the world's leading bars’; a truly superb book for anyone looking to recreate the magical creations of the some of the world’s best mixologists using Fever-Tree mixers. In this review, we take a look at another book, heavily influenced by Fever-Tree, this time created in collaboration with the Gin Foundry and aimed at those looking to experiment with specific Gins, tonics and garnishes in order enhance the ‘G’ in the humble G&T.
We are becoming increasingly frustrated by the number of bars who are embracing the Gin renaissance, but, in our view, rather half-heartedly. Whilst stocking their Gin shelves high with the latest creations from some of the world’s best distilleries is admirable, it is missing the point, somewhat, if the staff behind the bar have absolutely no idea which tonics and garnishes to match them with. Whilst creating the perfect G&T can, often, be a matter of personal taste based on a certain degree of experimentation, having some sort of reference point can be a great help, and this fantastic little book provides exactly that.
The book begins with a brief history of Gin, and considers the role Fever-Tree has played as a driving force behind the drink’s rise in popularity, before focussing on over forty specific Gins with brief tasting notes, including key botanicals, and, most importantly, recommended pairings...Oh, and it’s also beautifully illustrated.
With Fever-Tree’s involvement in creating the book, it may come as no surprise that all of the recommended tonics come from Fever-Tree. Clearly, the people at the Gin Foundry, who know a thing or two about what goes into creating a great G&T, think that Fever-Tree mixers are something a little bit special, and there’s certainly no argument from us on that point, but it’s worth remembering that there are a number of other brands out there worth experimenting with.
What is really great about this little book though, is that the writers make no claim to providing a definitive guide. Rather, their aim is to provide the reader with recommendations for mixers and garnishes to pair with specific Gins as an inspirational starting point to assist the reader as they embark on a journey of discovery towards creating their perfect serve. That is an aim that the book clearly meets and, priced at only £4.95 (Plus P&P), anyone with even a slight interest in creating great combinations which harness the flavours inherent in a specific Gin, owes it to themselves to purchase this little gem.
Worldwide Gin Review: Highly Recommended
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