what gins do i need for a gin tasting?
There are many different types of gin and while this can make it tempting to include as many as possible, less is more. You can still achieve variety with around five options. Of course, we recommend Beefeater London Dry Gin as one of your choices but you could also include a Plymouth gin and Navy Strength gin in the lineup.
If you want to involve your guests from start to finish, you can ask each of them to choose a gin to bring. That way, everyone gets to enjoy picking a bottle to bring to the table.
what is the right glassware for a gin tasting?
The glasses you use for a gin tasting at home are an important part of the experience. They need the right shape to hold the aroma and allow you to swirl the spirit. Highball, rocks and shot glasses are a no-go – the sides are too straight. Instead, opt for a glass with a rounded body such as a Copa or tasting glass.
how should i order my gins for a gin tasting?
The answer to this question isn’t booking a supermarket delivery slot so that your gins turn up before your gin tasting takes place. The order of your gins refers to which one you sample first, second, and so on. This ultimately boils down to personal preference and how you want to run the show, but a good idea is to start with the lowest-proof gin and make your way up to the highest-proof gin.
how many gin samples should be served?
The gins are the stars of your gin tasting so the way you serve each variety should demonstrate this. Ideally, have the bottles and glasses displayed on the table ready for when your guests arrive so they can see what the evening has in store.
When the time comes to try each variety, open the bottle and pour a measure into each guest’s glass to give it its own sense of occasion.
how do i do a proper gin tasting?
When it comes to how to drink gin at a gin tasting, you want to nose and taste the gin neat and at room temperature first. The gin will be at its most powerful in its unadulterated form, but this allows the nuances of each to be most apparent.
A true gin tasting is about taking your time. Allow the aroma to waft up from the glass as you bring it to your face and consciously try to detect what you smell. Next, take a small sip and allow the spirit to move across your tongue before taking a gentle breath. The flavour will be strong at first but as it settles, you should be able to taste a variety of different botanicals. As you swallow, pay attention to any finishing notes that linger in the mouth.
After you have sampled each gin neat, you can try it again but this time, served with a few drops of water, over ice or with a dash of tonic. Water molecules interact with the alcohol and oils in the gin, opening up the flavour and allowing you to discover different aspects of its character.
should i take notes at a gin tasting?
Absolutely. You want to write down what the gin tastes like – the more descriptive the better. If you can get your hands on a gin botanicals guide, this can help you and your guests pinpoint the notes.
As juniper is what makes a gin gin, there will be a piney flavour present. However, you should also expect to jot down words such as:
- Peppery
- Citrus
- Floral
- Herbal
- Nutty
- Woody
- Spicy
- Fruity
- Menthol
- Smoky
Be sure to compare your notes with your guests to see if you managed to identify the same botanicals or if there are any you may have missed.
do i need to cleane my nose and palate between gins?
You can end up going nose blind if you don’t give your senses a break between samples. To ensure you don’t dampen your experience, try sniffing a handful of coffee beans or taking a sip of cold, weak coffee for a quick reset.
extra tips for gin tasting at home
We are sure your gin tasting at home is already going to be a great success but if you want to make it even more special, there are some additional touches you can consider:
Provide menu cards
Give each guest a menu card that lists the gins they will be tasting along with a bit of information about them. This might take a little research time but including details about the origins of the gin, how it is created, and some trivia will add an additional layer of appreciation for the spirit.
Follow up with gin cocktails
Once the neat gin tasting is over, there’s no need to shelve the bottles straight away. Instead, crack out the mixers and garnishes and allow your guests to become mixologists by crafting some gin cocktails. If this is their first time experiencing gin, provide recipes of the best gin drinks for beginners like a classic G&T or sophisticated Negroni.
Provide additional entertainment
While the main purpose of your get-together is the gin tasting, you can extend the event by incorporating some additional activities. You could get some packs of cards for example and teach everyone how to play gin rummy, or become a quiz master and test your guests on their gin knowledge.
Don’t forget the snacks
All that gin tasting can certainly work up an appetite so providing some snacks is sure to go down well with your guests. There are so many foods that go well with gin which makes it simple to put together a complementary charcuterie style board. Try some (or all) of the following:
- Smoked salmon
- Duck prosciutto
- Fennel salami
- Goat’s cheese
- Blue cheese
- Smoked cheese
- Orange slices
- Berries
- Popcorn
- Dark chocolate
- Olives
- Cucumber
- Honey
Once your guests say goodbye and you’re left to clear away the remnants of a successful gin tasting at home, we’re sure you’ll already be planning your next soiree. Perhaps it will be a celebration on World Gin Day or a summer BBQ complete with sweet gin cocktails.
