The London Lounge

As I am a recent graduate into the world of liquor (turned 21 a few weeks ago), I have become interested in gin. Unlike many of my contemporaries, I have chosen quality over quantity when it comes to my intake of liquor.

Through trial and error, I have been searching for a good quality gin. What recommendations, if any, does the club have in this area?

I do like Tanqueray 10.

Try Hendrick's.

Hendricks is wonderful. Bombay saphire is also quite good and somewhat different.

Another vote for Hendricks.

And another vote for Hendricks.

Bombay Saphire for me as well.

Try Plymouth Gin from Black Friars Distillery Navy or Victorian strength (not appropriate for cocktails!)

Dude...Gordan's dry all the way. Very cheap, but I think it tastes great!

Hendrick's is wonderful, but vonwotan does have a point - it is different from the more conventional juniper-flavored gins, of which I like Bombay in martinis, and Bombay Sapphire in summer drinks. Now you have an excuse to drink all three.

So it looks like Hendrick's followed by Bombay.

This weekend I shall put the two to the test...

While many of my acolytes would say I shy away from self-publicity, I am—admittedly—a lounger of international repute. Therefor, JT, it would be nothing short of negligent were I not to comment, for, as they say in Palermo, "Camina chi pantofuli finnu a quannu non hai I scarpi." What I mean, my man, is that gin is a drug of reverie. So, take your time, open your mind, read My Last Sigh, and, while there is merit in Tanqueray, Plymouth, and Hendricks, do not forget Miller's, lest you miss a toothsome trick.

Most of the brands mentioned are good, and it is more a question of personal preference rather than a difference in quality. One should be careful however to only buy the export strength variety (45-48% depending on the distiller). The duty-saving domestic diluted stuff (38-40%) is not adequate. Remenber next time when in duty free, as it is not stocked elsewhere.

A few words of caution, upon visiting the US I discoverd a gin named Bombay - it's entirely unrelated to Bombay Sapphire but if one asks for a Bombay and tonic disappointment is entirely likely.

I have strong feelings about this. I used to drink Bombay Sapphire until one day I had a Tanqueray martini and never looked back.

Essentially, I had been dazzled by the blue bottle.

I now place BS very low on my list. I drink Tanqueray for every day drinking, though Tanqueray 10 is very nice for a martini if I'm out. I have had Hendricks but am yet to be persuaded.

And like the chap above said, Gordon's is great too. I slightly prefer Tanqueray but would much rather Gordon's to other brands where most of the price is in the marketing campaign.