Beginners guide to gin tasting

Alright legends, let’s dive into the delightful world of gin. Gin’s roots date back to the 11th century, where some crafty European monks and alchemists were concocting it as a medicinal elixir. The first recorded gin, “Jenever,” hails from the Netherlands, a juniper-infused delight still popular today. So what’s in a gin? Essentially, it’s a distilled alcohol infused with juniper berries and a whole bunch of botanicals. Typically, it’s brewed from a grain base like wheat or barley, which kicks off with fermentation and then distillation. But remember, for anything to be called gin, juniper has to be the boss. It’s usually backed up by a posse of other flavours like citrus, berries, herbs, and spices. This brilliant mix has put gin on the map, making it a global fave. If you’re into your G&Ts and want to take it to the next level, stick with me. I’m the head mixologist at Cardea Bar, a hidden speakeasy in Barangaroo. I’ve been slinging cocktails for a decade now, and we run gin masterclasses for groups of ten or more. Perfect for birthdays, bucks, or hens dos, these interactive sessions come with canapés and nibbles. You’ll be mixing and sipping on a classic gin cocktail and three gin and tonic pairings with various botanicals. Now, the beauty of gin is in its variety — there’s a flavour profile for just about everyone. Here’s how to sip gin like a pro: Tips for sipping gin like an expert Give your gin a good sniff. You can add a… Read More