I have Bombay Sapphire on hand for gin & tonics. But my knowledge of gins these days is sparse and I’m getting the urge to make myself a proper martini when I make a vodka martini for the wife. Or maybe a Gibson, who knows? So gin drinkers, enlighten me - what’s your favorite martini gin, and why?
Beefeaters. Close thread.
Hendricks. It’s got lovely floral notes that make a very nice tasting martini.
I favor Hendrick’s, with a cucumber garnish.
I don’t know how it would be in a martini–probably great–but I sure enjoy it for sipping.
I stick with Bombay Sapphire because it has a taste that is both distinctive and familiar. It pleases my palate even if it is not the most expensive.
I should have explained the Beefeaters recco: It’s the aromatics. Cheap gin is like kerosene. Sweeter gins like Bombay work very well with tonic, as the drink usually comes with a twist to offset the sweetness. Here’s a website with some recommendations, but it’s really a matter of personal taste.
i like Bombay Sapphire with a dash of grapefruit bitters.
I like Sapphire for my martinis and Gibsons. Tanqueray sometimes. Hendrick’s is so lovely that I just pour it over ice with a slice of lemon. But, 90% of the time, it’s Sapphire Gibsons for me.
I make my own with Hendricks. If I’m out and they don’t have it, Beefeaters is the backup.
Speaking of gin and tonic . . .
Anyone tried Shorts Brewing’s Melt My Brain? This beer uses juniper berries in the recipe, then adds tonic water at some point. Interesting beer (category: experimental). I took a growler pontooning yesterday and it was easy to finish.
Tanqueray Rangpur, if you like a bit of lime in your martini.
Mr Moto recommended Citadell in a similar thread a few years ago. I’ve not used anything else since.
Sorry Chefguy, but I can’t agree. Of course it is subjective, but I find Beefeaters a very harsh gin. I prefer Tanqueray, with Bombay Sapphire a close second. Although I like Kendrick’s, it is a particular taste which won’t appeal to everyone.
I don’t like the citrus in Tanqueray, but apparently Tanqueray 10 doesn’t have that problem and is highly rated. Haven’t tried it.
Oh, I forgot Plymouth gin which is also very special, particularly if you can get your hands on the Navy strength
Yes, good point, and it highlights how subjective this is. I was lucky enough to try Tanqueray 10 in a British Airways First Class lounge. It was certainly better than normal gins, but for my less than refined palate it is not worth the premium. Of course I would never criticize anyone who can justify the extra expense - more power to them.
For gin drinkers that would like something special, try Ransom Old Tom Gin. Very different from your standard London Dry types. Old Tom was popular in the mid 1800’s through the early 1930’s, before London Dry took over. It is making a come back, especially as a sipping gin. Unfortunately it tends to be a special order from your local package store, but is only about $38.
Uh yeah.
What are looking for in a martini? Juniper heavy or light on the juniper and with more complex herb profiles? What sort of vermouth do you pair it up with?
My favorite is the 6th on this list, Aviation. It’s a little lighter on the juniper and heavier on other aromatics, but without the sweetness of Bombay Sapphire.