A nice good quality dry Gin.- Dry London Gin (Beefeater Dry London Gin)

Member Name: ninacolada86

Product:	Beefeater Dry London Gin
Date:	26/11/08 (151 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You get good quality Gin, for the price.

Disadvantages: a bit of a pricey brand.

LONDON GIN HISTORY.

The word gin derives from the French word for juniper - genévrier, which is the berry that flavors the drink, It originated in the Netherlands in the 17th century.
Gin became popular in England when the government imposed heavy taxes on all imported spirits. The base of Gin is a grain spirit which is then flavored with juniper and sometimes citrus peels, in England when the heavy taxes were instated, the poor-quality grain that was unfit for brewing beer, was used to make gin. Because of its cheapness it become popular with the poor and by 1740 the production of gin had increased to six times that of beer.

USES OF GIN.

Dry Gin is usually mixed with sweeter ingredients like tonic water or vermouth to balance the dryness. These two liquids are the basis of the popular drinks Gin and Tonic and Martini.

GIN AND TONIC, originated in the tropical British colonies, where quinine was added to tonic water and then added to gin to mask the taste. Quinine was prescribed as a protection against malaria. The drink usually has a five to one ratio one part gin to five parts tonic water. (The ratio of gin to tonic water can vary considerably, some prefer a one to three ratio) It is then garnished with a slice of lime or lemon and served over ice.


THE MARTINI was invented in America, and due to James Bonds preference to it, has become a household name. It has a five to one ratio one part vermouth to five parts gin. The ingredients are mixed then strained and served in a chilled cocktail glass, and garnished with either an olive or a twist of lemon.

MY PREFERENCE.
I enjoy Dry London Gin, as it is a perfect contrast to tonic water, with an extra dry feel to it and a slight taste of citrus and juniper.
Other less expensive brands don't have the same kind of taste and have even given me a headache, after as little as a glass.
I like squeezing a half lemon into a glass with ice, before adding the gin and tonic water, as it adds a more citrus flavor.

Summary: A different type of alcohol, not my preference on its own, but wonderful mixed.