The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

The Gin & Tonic Enhancer &BREWER bitedrinks a spirit of adventure that pairs well with the Butler & Brewer tonic enhancers. “The tart gooseberries and floral potpourri of the gin marry wonderfully with the zingy green apple and heady elderflower of the tonic enhancer. The gin then delivers on its citrus credentials as a perfect counterfoil to the cucumber, resulting in a G&T that is pure summer in a glass.” Hibiscus, Lime and Pomegranate blend with the almost fruity sweetness and complex ingredients of the Jap- anese crafted Roku Gin to provide a floral and re-in- vented exotic G&T flavour experience. The word ‘Roku’ means six, and inside every bottle, there are six unique botanicals sourced in Japan. “The quintessential char- acteristics of citrus, juniper and vegetal notes are all there, but mostly from non-traditional sources, creating something entirely new but not disparate. The overall effect is intoxicating.” Thanks to its strong citrus profile and soft hint of rose petals, Hendrick’s Gin provides the perfect platform for flavour combination between the gin and the enhanc- er, making it “more front and centre” according to the brand. “The gin lacks alcohol scorch, leading to a long refreshing, floral finish.” They also revealed that, “De- spite any apparent masculine credentials, this [Hibiscus, Lime and Pomegranate] Tonic Enhancer is consistently rated #1 by males providing product feedback.” First launched in 1986 by English wine merchant IDV, the premium London Dry Bombay Sapphire Gin is in- fused with ten hand-selected botanicals for a bright, fresh taste. Its unique floral and fruity character res- onates beautifully with the Raspberry, Basil and Lime Tonic Enhancer. “The pulled back juniper in the gin al- lows the citrus notes in both the gin and tonic enhancer to pull everything together on the nose and palate, and the cumulative effect is fresh, complex and fruity, with- out being sweet.” The strikingly smooth artisan Bristolians 6 O’Clock Gin crafted in Bristol, where Butler & Brewer’s products are handcrafted, makes a cracking London Dry Gin that is soft and citrusy, with the lemon and orange bring- ing balance to the juniper. “Although not as complex, it evokes association of a classic G&T, which provides the perfect platform for the raspberry to shine through and introduce a new dimension to the prevailing tartness.” Both Sipsmith London Dry and Butler & Brewer’s Or- ange, Thyme and Lemongrass Tonic Enhancer have the complementary lead flavours of orange marmalade, a “marriage made in heaven” according to the brand. “The lemongrass enhances the warm spicy notes with- out detracting from the zesty orange rind. But it’s the thyme doing wonderful things with the soft pine notes of the juniper that round off the beautifully balanced bitterness with the perfect dose of background green- ness to create waves of flavour.” The soft citrus finish and legendary versatility of the in- tense, bold and aromatic Plymouth Gin, produced by Black Friars Distillery in The Barbican, allows the citrus rind of the Orange, Thyme and Lemongrass Tonic En- hancer to retain a hint more bitterness. The brand de- scribes it as more earthy than the first pairing with this particular enhancer and has a warmer and longer finish presented as the 'older brother' to the Sipsmith pairing. Loch Ness Highland Gin distilled onsite at the Loch Ness Spirits distillery, owned by Kevin and Lorien Cam- eron-Ross, is one of the few gin distillers in Scotland that grow their own juniper berries and opt to develop and nurture a crop of premium ‘black gold’ juniper ber- ries for their gin. The rosemary latches onto the gin’s heather, thistle and nettle while the juniper and warm spice notes, with the combined lemon citrus, prevent the flavour from becoming too herbaceous with a sub- lime effect. Rosemary, Mint and Lemon Tonic Enhancer comple- ment another Bristol product, Chew Valley London Dry Gin. “With waves of juniper and soft spicy notes, the lack of prominent green botanicals in the gin provides the perfect platform for the rosemary and subtle mint of the tonic enhancer to become part of the main cast.” Whilst the Loch Ness Dry Gin amplifies the essential flavours, the Chew Valley London Dry Gin combina- tion brings together complementary flavours with the enhancer in one place. So, to spice up or enhance your G&T, drop a few dashes of Butler & Brewer Tonic Enhancers in your gin; availa- ble online on their website, with tonic water. www.butlerandbrewer.co.uk