LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2018

SPIRITS  GINS OF DISTINCTION

HERBAL

Juniper “berries” are really the seed cones of the juniper plant and are considered more of a spice than a herb. Gins that are described as herbal need other plants to come forward in the aroma and flavour profile. That’s the case with these three beau- ties, each of which also makes a point of using uniquely local plants in its recipe. The question then is how to garnish a Martini or Gin & Tonic made with a very herbal gin. It’s up to you.

GEORGIAN BAY GIN LCBO 448597, $39.95

Accentuate herby aromas with a rosemary frond garnish—or contrast them with a citrus twist.

Hand-picked wild Georgian Bay juniper is the heart and soul of this fine Ontario gin, backed by a harmonious choir of citrus, pine and cardamom aromas. Dry, bright and light on its feet, it makes a very good Gin & Tonic, garnished with a twist of orange peel. GIN MARE LCBO 481598, $53.45 You can taste the arbequina olives, rosemary, thyme, corian- der seed and basil in this delicate Spanish spirit—like the scent of the Mediterranean garrigue. Notes of orange and lemon blossom also abound, leading to a fragrantly spicy finish. The terroir of Islay finds its way into this gin via 22 local flowers and plants foraged on the Hebri­ dean island that join nine classic gin botanicals in the still. It’s made at the Bruichladdich distillery and shows a beautiful balance of spicy herbal flavours. THE BOTANIST ISLAY DRY GIN LCBO 358192, $50.05

46  FOOD & DRI NK SUMMER 2018