"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
>I enjoy a gin & tonic in the summer. Very refreshing light taste, it goes
>with most anything. I also subscribe to the idea that life is too short
>for cheap booze. Sitting on the shelf, the cheap and the good stuff look
>pretty much identical, but the smoothness and flavors are worlds apart.
>This is true for gin, bourbon, Scotch, whatever.
>
> This week I decided to try two gin brands that I've never had before. One
> is great, the other turned out a bit disappointing (but won't be wasted).
>
> The two I tried are New Amsterdam Diamond (a premium version) and
> Tanqueray Rangpur.
>
> Gin is flavored mostly with juniper berries, but also other botanicals
> that give it a distinct flavor. The combination of botanicals is what
> makes each distinctive. The fact that anything is added is what makes it
> different from vodka. They both start out the same way in the
> distillation process.
>
> The New Amsterdam is smooth and has pleasant flavors. It may become one
> of my favorites. The Rangpur is infused with Rangpur lime and, in my
> opinion, has too much of it. I'll probably use it mixed with other juices
> for a cocktail rather than plain gin or a G & T. So far, by all time
> favorite is Hendrick's. It is infused with cucumber. That alone makes it
> the same as eating a salad, right?
>
> A few years ago Tanqueray made a version called Malaaca, from a very old
> recipe. I really enjoyed that also, but it is gone from the market. I
> hope they bring it back some day.
>
> Personal taste will vary, but if I had to list my favorites I'd rank them:
>
> 1. Hendrick's
> 2. Bombay Sapphire
> 3. New Amsterdam Diamond
> 4. Tanqueray Malaaca (discontinued)
> 5. Bombay London Dry
> 6. Plymouth
> 7. Boodles
> 8. Tanqueray Ten
> 9. Beefeater
> 10, Tanqueray London Dry

I have found that the cheaper gins make for the better G&Ts. The good stuff
is too smooth, too refined. You want a bit of a bite in each sip. You want
the G&T to grab your tongue and give it a little yank. My favorite gin for
G&Ts is Gordon's. It has the right combo of flavor and bite. I've had
Boodles gin and it is just too smooth and disappears under the tonic water.
Same for the Bombay Sapphire. Tanqueray makes for a great gin martini but
I'd not use it again in a G&T.

Paul