Ultimate Gin Guide VIII: New Versions
The Ginquiry mentioned two new categories. On the one hand, there is Pink Gin which can be a little bit misleading. After all there is a drink made from gin and Angostura Bitters which carries the same name. However, in this case it is about fruity, bright pink gins. On the other hand, there is another colourful gin version. The butterfly pea flower lends spirits a dark blue colour and also has another trick up its sleeve.
The pink drink
Pink Gin is a fashionable thing going on. It is supposed to have its origin in Spain. There are a number of versions and it is basically coloured and flavoured regular gin. In the case of the Woodland Pink Gin, they use there regular Sauerland Dry Gin and infuse it cassis, raspberries, elderflower and pink grapefruits.
While you can still detect the classic gin base, there is a great deal of other flavours in the Woodland Pink Gin. However, the dominant note is pink grapefruits flavour which borders on curacao notes. From all the flavoured gin versions, the Woodland is somehow close to a traditional gin. Yet, the question remains, if it is really necessary to colour your gin pink?
Build – chilled Shu Fa Tumbler – ice cubes – top off with tonic water – serve with glass straw;
Garnish: Dried lime wheel;
It’s magic!
The butterfly pea flower (clitoria ternatea) is native to India and South East Asia. The flower is used as a traditional food colouring in Asian countries. When used in the production in gin, it colours the spirit dark blue. When adding a mixer containing acidity, the colour changes to purple, due to a change in pH-levels. The Munich based Illusionist Gin is one example of this new trend. Three citrus fruits, liquorice and macis are used as botanicals. The other botanicals are kept a secret, but all ingredients are organic.
Regardless of its mysterious colour changing abilities, the Illusionist Gin is a rather good gin. It is citrus and flower forward, so that I would categorize it as a New Western Dry Gin. However, you can still detect juniper notes. Interestingly enough, the gin has a clear cut nutmeg and macis note I did not encounter with other gins so far. To be honest, I do not care for this colouring of the gin either, but I have to admit it makes for a good story.
*The fact that I received a product reviewed in this article for free, did not – in any way – influence the rating of said product.
Build – chilled RCR Funky Tumbler – ice cubes – top off with tonic water – serve with glass straw;
Garnish: Violet flowers, dried orange wheel;
*The fact that I received a product reviewed in this article for free, did not – in any way – influence the rating of said product. Glasses were provided by APS Glass & Bar Supply GmbH and glass straws by Der Glastrinkhalm. You can buy the gins here.
