Gintastic Smackdown: Hendrick’s versus Bombay Sapphire
Disclaimer: I’m right. Sorry, but it’s true. If you disagree, you’re just wrong. So there.
While I love all sorts of alcoholic drinks, my favorite of the moment happens to be martinis. Alas, I am a spoiled little bitch when it comes to alcohol, preferring to pay a little bit more for the top shelf stuff. As such, my gin of choice tends to be Bombay Sapphire. It is smooth and light tasting, with just enough juniper to give it an appropriate flavor.
Enter internet pal and martini fan Sephira, and her love of Hendrick’s Gin. She’s enough of a fan that I felt it warranted tasting, so I picked up a small bottle and am working through my first Hendrick’s martini right this moment.
Initial thoughts?
It’s good. It is, in all honesty, comparable to Bombay Sapphire in taste. I would not call it better, per se, but I must admit that it does have a uniqueness of flavor that I could see myself enjoying as an alternative. It makes an excellent dry martini, fo’ sho!
I think I have a new liquor shelf staple… though it will be reserved for those occasions calling for something a wee bit different.
Thanks, Sephira!
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:26 am
Wait… what?
October 6th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
It really is unique in flavor. But, and I'm absolutely serious, pick up a cucumber and drop a slice into your gin and tonic if you haven't already. Completely changes everything, and makes a lot of the notes of rose and cucumber mash come out.
Yes, I treat gin like some people treat wine
October 6th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
It really is unique in flavor. But, and I'm absolutely serious, pick up a cucumber and drop a slice into your gin and tonic if you haven't already. Completely changes everything, and makes a lot of the notes of rose and cucumber mash come out even more.
If you'd like to give another novel gin a try, Citadelle Gin is a refreshing twist on the traditional mash of juniper berries – it's citrusy.
October 6th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I did so… and I also made a mojito-ish drink using it and cucumber that I adapted from one of Aloft's signature drinks. Pretty good, though it needed something extra.
Do they sell Citadelle in VA, or is it one of those items I'll have to snag from one of my "other" home states?
October 6th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
They do sell it in Virginia, though I don't think it's a stock item in the ABC Stores, so some may carry it while others don't.