Broker’s Gin was created back in the late 1990s by two brothers, Andy and Martin Dawson.  It’s named after gentleman who would typically have worn bowler hats, such as stockbrokers.  This means every bottle is topped with a miniature bowler hat.  It’s not quite my style, and I’m not sure if I was to own a bottle how long the little hat would stay on!

Leaving the aesthetics aside I had two drinks with it that night, a plain old G&T and a Winston Churchill style Martini.  Both drinks were nice, though one of the signature drinks is for the martini to be stuffed with blue cheese olives, and alas blue cheese is just not my thing.

The drinks were pleasant enough though I do wonder how it would stand up with a variation on a few classics; the one interesting point was that they sell both a 40% and 47% version.  It’s an intriguing choice, and I discussed this with Andy:

In gin it is the alcohol that holds the botanical flavours, and by the same token releases the botanical aromas/flavours (a) up your nose, (b) onto your taste buds. Most experts share the view that 47% is about the optimum level for alcohol to play those roles in gin. With lower strengths you don’t get the same richness of character.

Most bartenders select the 47% for cocktails because they want the extra richness of the gin base.

There is also an issue around the taxation of alcohol in different markets, and in some areas it’s more preferable to have the higher strength as that’s what the market expects – in the US alcohol taxation is lower than the UK.

Overall Broker’s is a relatively unknown to the wider UK market, though they seem to be doing quite well in key markets abroad.  Certainly one to consider when you next buy a gin.  Further tasting notes, and information on the history and key botanicals of Broker’s will be up shortly.

Things you might like:

1. Gin Botanical Profile: Juniper Berries
2. The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
3. Beefeater London Market Gin – Information & Cocktails

On entering Graphic Bar last week, and having a chat with Adam and Sarah (of Juniper Society fame), the question was raised: Is it possible to tell the difference between Hoxton Gin, and other coconut rums.

The Pepsi challenge was born.

Contenders

1. Hoxton Gin
2. Malibu
3. Koko Kanu

Challenge

1. Smell
2. Taste
3. Mixed with Coke

Tasters

1. Adam (Graphic)
2. Sarah (Graphic)
3. Myself

The tasting was all performed on a double blind basis, none of us knew what was in glass 1, 2 or 3. After all taking multitude of sips, sniffs and in general not quite enjoying the experience we came to the conclusion.

In all three ways, I picked out the Malibu, Hoxton Gin, and Koko Kanu correctly. They do all have different flavours, and in general I think mixed with Coke the Hoxton Gin is palatable (to a degree, perhaps this is the new signature serve?!)

Sarah had the same opinion in all regards of the identification, with only Adam changing his mind at the last minute between which was Malibu and which Koko Kanu.

It’s safe to say that there are differences between them all! Also, if you do head into Graphic Bar expecting Malibu, be warned that we had to go out and find a bar to provide us a shot of Malibu for this experiment!

What are your thoughts on Hoxton, have you tried it with coke yet?

Picture from Pindec’s Flickr

Things you might like:

1. Hoxton Gin
2. The Martini Sessions – Plymouth & Graphic Bar
3. CLASS Awards 2010 -Results

It’s well know that Graphic Bar is a place to go if you are interested in Gin, and they always have some great sessions as part of their Juniper Society.

Coming up soon there is the opportunity for the perfect Martini tutorial, this festive season impress guests by learning to make the ultimate martini. As part of the Juniper Society’s monthly gin club, Plymouth Gin will be hosting a martini masterclass on 29th November from 6pm.

With a cocktail on arrival, you will be able to taste a selection of fruit based martinis before attending two sessions – one to learn all about the martini (its history, what exactly goes into the famous cocktail [Ed: Gin?] and most importantly, how to do it at home…) and then a short gin tasting with the Plymouth gin brand ambassador.

Attendees will leave with a better understanding of gin and also be martini connoisseurs – an excellent way to prepare for the Christmas parties. Do consider signing up to the Juniper Society to keep upto date with other events.

Things you might like:

1. The Coconut Rundown: Pepsi Challenge (Inc. Hoxton Gin!)
2. Juniper Society with Broker’s Gin
3. TimesOnline – With Plymouth Gin