Gin (the English word is short for the old word for it, “Geneva”) is a spirit originally from the Netherlands, distilled from grain and infused with juniper berries. There are many, many kinds of gin: quaity depends on the base alcohol, on the botanicals used to infuse (or – yuck – flavor) them, and on how they are produced. Here are some truly great gins, again, not easy to find.
Russell Henry Gin
RUSSELL HENRY Dark Gin:
Like nothing you have ever tasted. The botanicals and aromatics, given more than a year to play against each other inside excellent bourbon and Limousin oak cognac barrels, evolve into something sublime. When someone asks in the store what we recommend, this is always one.
RUSSELL HENRY Hawai’ian Ginger Gin:
The aroma and taste are those of fresh ginger, even better because this varietal - grown organically on tropical Kauai – has a gorgeous subtle intensity. If you like ginger, you can sip this unchilled like a good brandy.
RUSSELL HENRY London Dry Gin:
The botanicals include juniper, coriander, orris root, and lemon peel. This is extraordinarily appealing gin, smooth, subtle, and rich. One reviewer called it a landmark in gin-making. He’s right.
RUSSELL HENRY Malaysian Lime Gin:
Limes are notoriously hard to distill. The juice is highly acidic and wants to oxidize after bottling. A deeper and richer flavor can be derived from macerating the leaves – the ones used in Thai cuisine. Crispin gets them hand-picked from the Kirkpatrick orchard in Exeter, CA. Chairman’s Trophy at the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.