LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2018

SPIRITS  GINS OF DISTINCTION

F LORAL

Some gins have a decidedly floral, almost perfumed profile. I’ve tasted a few that end up reminding me a bit too much of after- shave but the best examples—such as these three and also Bombay Sapphire ( LCBO 316844, $28.95)—are delightful. For those subtle aromatics to shine, the distiller has to give juniper, citrus and the other traditional gin botanicals less of a presence in the spirit’s recipe. Lovers of a classic resinous and spicy gin might not approve.

RENDLE’S ORIGINAL GIN LCBO 398859, $39.95 Chris Edgcumbe-Rendle pro- duces this loving recreation of his father’s personal gin rec­ ipe. Hibiscus gives it a pinkish hue which suits its elegant, lightweight, floral style to a T. It makes a very glamorous Dry Martini, stirred with ice and hardly any vermouth at all. Hendrick’s (whisky distillers William Grant & Sons) add essence of rose petals and essence of cucumber to the finished gin—and their scents hover over it dramatically. It’s a robust, rather heavy, emi- nently likeable spirit; garnish with cucumber. They’ve been making gin at Nolet’s distillery in Schiedam, Holland, since 1691—but not in this modern, dry style. Juni- per takes a back seat in fa­ vour of rose, peach and red berry notes. It’s powerful at 47.6% ABV, which makes it especially useful for cocktails. HENDRICK’S GIN LCBO 637504, $50.00 The Scottish makers of NOLET’S DRY GIN LCBO 549899, $69.95

Garnish floral gin cocktails with berries threaded onto a stick.

48  FOOD & DRI NK SUMMER 2018