Stephen Handisides came by to try out one of our Gin Flight. As an avid gin drinker, Stephen knows that one of the best value ways to try out some new gins is by using the pairing system on our cocktail menu. Stephen got to choose four different gins which are served as individual one ounce pours over ice, paired with botanicals and tonic for only $26 and served .
Not only did he get to try four different gins, he was also given the opportunity to learn a little more about the history of those gins.
Gin has had a bad rap over the years but in reality it is one of the most versatile and fun alcohols to drink. There aren’t any rules when it comes to drinking gin, but there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to proper gin drinking.
There are so many different ways to drink gin, (hence the gin flight sampling) and so many different types of pairing types.
At The Winslow we are primarily a gin bar, we host gin clubs on select Tuesdays which are a fun way to learn and understand the essence of gin. Another way to learn about gin, is to order a gin flight.
Stephen Handisides is an international TV presenter, roving reporter, model, MC, journalist, publisher and an all-round expert on Aesthetic Beauty and Male Grooming.
Stephen Handisides is a regular expert commentator in the US, Australia and UK on ITV’s This Morning, GMTV, Lorraine, OK! TV, Five, Sky News, Channel 10, BBC radio and the Dr. Oz Network. Stephen is the host of ‘The Modern Face of Beauty’ television series broadcast on 52 local and national television networks in the US reaching 44 million households, as well as Filmon.TV with 74 million viewers and the MyFaceMyBody global channel.
Here are the Four Gins That Stephen Chose for his Flight
Gin Flight: Bluecoat American Dry Gin
is a revolutionary spirit that leads with refreshingly sweet aromatics, giving way to soft and earthy juniper notes. The body is intensely smooth with a complex depth of flavors that reveal themselves as they permeate the palate. The bright finish is exceptionally long and completes an experience that is incredibly pleasing to the senses.
All Gins Begin With Juniper Berries
And bluecoat is no exception, however, bluecoat exclusively utilizes organic juniper berries which transmit spicy, earthy notes as opposed to the pungent pine-tree flavors of regular berries. a premium blend of organic american citrus peels and spices complements the rich juniper notes, giving bluecoat its classic citrusy finish.
“Handcrafted In America”
As the original american dry gin, bluecoat is in a class by itself. unique in flavor profile and unsurpassed in character, five times distilled in the birthplace of america – PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
Bluecoat American Dry Gin Botanicals
Bluecoat Barrel Finished Gin is produced by aging Bluecoat American Dry Gin® in new American oak barrels for a minimum of three months providing a unique, well rounded and complex spirit.
Distilling Process
Distilled in a custom, hand-hammered copper pot still, bluecoat represents the pinnacle of artisanal craft spirits.
only the smoothest, most flavorful cuts are bottled. The results are immediately noticeable: a quality spirit with a smooth and gentle mouth-feel and a refreshingly light taste.
*source Bluecoat American Dry Gin®
Hendricks Gin
Our Peculiar Past
Meet the delightfully curious Hendrick’s Gin. Life is simply too glorious not to experience its peculiar flavor, infused with rose and cucumber in our remote Scottish distillery.
Seek out those who embrace the unusual, and you’ll find that our gin is much loved by a handful of curious individuals all over the world. We invite you to join the merry few. Do mix yourself a scrumptious tipple and get ready to explore the milestones of Hendrick’s peculiar past.
Our Bennet Still Is Born
Our BENNET STILL is made by coppersmiths in LONDON. Although a meager few Bennett stills are ever produced, the few which GAINED A REPUTATION for yielding a spirit that is PARTICULARLY ROBUST and FLAVOURFUL. (Back then, Hendrick’s was just a twinkle in its eye).
The Family Business Commences
Mr. WILLIAM GRANT, with his SEVEN SONS and TWO DAUGHTERS build their family distillery in Scotland. The only assistance from outside the Grant family comes from a single SPORADICALLY WORKING STONEMASON.
Our Carter-Head Still Is Begotten
The CARTER-HEAD STILL destined for Hendrick’s is manufactured by John Dore & Co. With a VAPOR-DRIVEN FLAVOR BASKET atop a quite long neck, the Carter-Head engenders an exceedingly SUBTLE, FRESH and DELICATE spirit. Despite its fabulousness, the Carter-Head still has become quite RARE. Only a few are known to exist today.
A Spirit Genius Enters The World
Ms. LESLEY GRACIE is born and from an early age is fascinated with the CURIOUS WORLD OF BOTANICALS, flavors and horses (the horses have no relationship to the gin she would eventually dream up, but facts are facts). At the age of 4, she began serving her family teas derived from various plants and twigs. Thankfully, HER FAMILY SURVIVES this and countless other experiments and diversions.
A Random Act Of Odd Destiny
On somewhat of a whim, Mr. CHARLES GORDON, GREAT GRANDSON of Mr. William Grant, purchases at auction TWO UNUSUAL STILLS: one, a phenomenally rare Carter-Head; and the other, a dusty 19th-century Bennet. (It will be a full THIRTY-THREE YEARS before he actually determines precisely what to do with these peculiar contraptions).
The Pursuit Is Launched
Mr. Charles Gordon enlists Ms. Lesley Gracie in his ECCENTRIC QUEST to invent an elixir with his two entirely different and very antique stills. Although many interesting distillates are generated, none are deemed UP TO SNUFF. Captivated by the possibilities of using two odd stills to create one unusual spirit, THEY SOLDIER ON with their efforts.
Triumph Of The Unusual
FINALLY, Mr. Gordon and Ms. Gracie achieve “a peculiar sort of deliciousness” by firing up BOTH the Carter-Head and Bennett Stills with an ODD SYMPHONY OF BOTANICALS further enlivened with curious infusions of CUCUMBER and ROSE. Against all odds, they concoct the odd perfection that becomes known as HENDRICK’S GIN.
Visit our Treasury of Tipples for delightful cocktails.
Join the SOCIETY of the UNUSUAL to learn more CUCUMBER SECRETS.
A Small-Minded Approach To Production
Small batch typically means 1,000 liters or fewer. Hendrick’s distills in miniscule batches of 500 liters, which gives our master distiller even greater control of her careful artistry.
Meet our Delectable Odd Botanicals
Hendrick’s wondrous botanical signature consists of flowers, roots, fruits, and seeds from the world over: yarrow, juniper, elderflower, angelica root, orange peel, caraway, coriander, chamomile, cubeb berry, orris root and lemon. They function to complement and set the stage for our delicious duet of infusions: rose petal and cucumber.
A Tale Of Two Stills
Hendrick’s is the marriage of two different spirits from two rare and unusual stills: the Bennet still and the Carter-Head still. By combining the two, we are able to create an extraordinarily smooth gin that has the required character and balance of subtle flavors.
The Infusion Of Rose And Cucumber
No other gin tastes like Hendrick’s because no other gin is made like Hendrick’s.
We infuse our gin with the remarkable Bulgarian Rosa Damascena and specially selected cucumbers from the finest producers.
*source Hendrick’s Gin
As always you can read our article on the five best ways to enjoy gin as well as stop by for your own gin flight.