The Genius of Gin

I cannot recall my first taste of vodka or tequila. And though I love bourbon, our introduction escapes me. But for gin, our first meeting is forever etched in my memory. Early in the semester, a fellow graduate student hosted a night of grilling so our cohort could connect before the year of mental exhaustion began. At some point in the evening, someone produced a clear bottle containing a clear liquid and proclaimed we should all try this gin he just bought. Being turned off to gin by its visual similarity to vodka and tequila, both of which I avoided, my answer to such prompts was almost always thanks but no thanks. But something about the beautiful bottle tempted me. It had a textured label with lovely artwork of a bear and somehow seemed like the exact elixir my life was missing. And it was.

With one sip, St. George Terroir Gin overthrew my prejudice and won my heart. Unlike the spirits I judged it by, this gin needed no help to taste delicious. It tasted fresh and sweet and full of flavor all on its own.

Excited by my newfound love, I thought myself a gin-lover. When next I was out for an evening, I proudly ordered a gin and tonic, opting for a popular brand when the bartender informed me they didn’t have the St. George I requested. But what I did not realize is that not all gins are created equal. A sip of this concoction had me regretting the choice and left a distaste in my mouth. I resolved that I did not, in fact, love gin. I loved St. George’s gin. Important distinction.

I later discovered St. George has several gins, all a delight! For years this was the only gin I would drink. Eventually, a dear friend gifted me Crane City Gin and with it made me a French 75. The gin was different, botanical, and delicious. The cocktail opened my eyes to the many ways gin can transform. This began my experimental journey as I tried new gins and new cocktails. Each variation of gin is so different one from the other that is impossible to describe in a comprehensive way.

Whenever I found myself in a place featuring craft cocktails, I asked for the bartender’s gin recommendations and these wonderful wizards have not steered me wrong. Dovetail in Macon introduced me to the life changing gin fizz using Botanist Gin, The Public in Savannah shared Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin with me, which has found a permanent place in my bar, Sovereign Remedies in Asheville insisted I try Roku Gin and I am forever grateful. Each of these encounters has left a lasting memory to treasure and a gin to enjoy for years to come.

The genius of gin, I am convinced, is that it is as versatile as any form of art. It can be bright or smoky. It can be sweet or dry. It can find its way with mixers that are powerful or subtle. It can be enjoyed alone or with friends. Gin really is for all occasions.

Whether you are already a gin-lover or have been a bit gin-shy, give a new gin a try. Of course, I recommend St. George’s Terroir to start. Though I prefer it straight up or with a hint of rosemary or sage, their website offers many fun cocktails that are worth a shot. And check out this season’s Top Five, several of these cocktails are made with gin and all of them are great drink orders to have in your back pocket.

Cheers!