Need some Gin-spiration? Enjoy a Gin Experience At Country Terrace Restaurant, Gozo.
discover the best gin brands that make for a great experience at Country Terrace, gozo.
Step aside for the best Gin Experience Gozo has to offer! Usually opting for a humble house gin and lemon wedge, we were intrigued and excited to delve deeper into the intricacies of gin tasting experience at Country Terrace, where you will find an actual ‘Gin Trolley’ brimming with 250 (plus) gins from around the globe. With endless possibilities, we were happily guided by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic bartenders as to which gins, tonic and garnish we should try.
Gone are the days when ordering a G&T meant two considerations; regular or slimline and ice ‘n slice? We’ve entered a new gin era with thousands of brands and botanical combinations, presented in funky and stylish bottles. And that’s before you’ve considered the tonic pairing and all-important garnish to further infuse flavour and increase aesthetics.
Where did it all be-gin? A Little History…
Some debate remains over the origins of this liquor; however, the Dutch are reputedly credited with its official invention, giving rise to the expression ‘Dutch Courage’. The word gin is derived from ‘genever’, the Dutch word meaning juniper since juniper berries are the cornerstone ingredient that give gin its unique flavour and aroma. Many other botanicals are often added such as herbs, spices, florals, and fruit flavours, however, to be classified as gin – juniper berries must be present.
Like many alcoholic beverages, gin was originally trialled for medicinal purposes dating back to the 11th Century when Italian monks experimented with infusing spirits with juniper berries. As distillation methods progressed during The Renaissance and into the 17th Century, gin really was medicine and was increasingly used for ailments such as kidney and stomach complaints, gallstones, and gout.
By mid 17th Century, numerous Dutch distilleries were creating this ever-so-popular beverage leading to the first half of the 18th Century being coined the ‘Gin Craze’ when gin consumption increased so rapidly the British government were forced to pass Acts to slow the gin flow! During the Victorian Era, the popularity of gin returned in the guise of lavish Gin Palaces. Hurrah for gin!
As history repeats, it’s no surprise we’ve seen the popularity of this tipple rocket once again in the last decade with dedicated bars across the globe, and every city offering extensive gin menus and tastings.
GIn tasting at country terrace
Fast forward to the present day and one sunny autumnal afternoon at Country Terrace. GITH Magazine were invited to be gin-spired and bedazzled with perhaps the largest selections of gins on Gozo. With such a collection where does one start? We let their expert bartenders take the lead. We were asked which flavours we like and what he had tried before and they did the rest. Mixing a delicious brand of gin, a centre piece mixer and an all-important garnish. Their tonic list is as comprehensive as their gins, including premium brands and gorgeous flavours from elderflower to Japanese yuzu fruit. You can certainly guarantee a different botanical blend each time you dine at Country Terrace.
GITH HQ sampled six varieties of gin from different corners of the globe and here’s our verdict.
Brand: Gin Mare Distilled: Spain Main Botanicals: Juniper, Arbequina olive, basil, rosemary, thyme Mixer: Italian Natural Tonic Garnish: Strawberry & Mint GITH Verdict: The neutral tonic allowed the beautiful blend of Mediterranean flavours to come through. Pleasantly surprised by how the contrasting strawberry and mint lifted the drink.
Brand: Tanqueray No. Ten Distilled: UK Main Botanicals: Juniper, whole citrus, coriander, chamomile, angelica, licorice Mixer: East Imperial Garnish: Lime & Cucumber GITH Verdict: The No. TEN version is blended with whole citrus as opposed to just the peels, offering a zingy, fresh and potent gin with a slightly bitter finish.
Brand: Ungava Distilled: Canada Main Botanicals: 6 rare botanicals native to Quebec Mixer: Classic Tonic Garnish: Peach & Orange GITH Verdict: Would usually avoid colourful gins, due to a very sweet expectation, however Ungava dispelled this, it was light, crisp with an edge of spice. Unique taste which you simply have to try.
Brand: Drumshanbo Gunpowder Distilled: Ireland Main Botanicals: Juniper, gun powder green tea and oriental flavours. Mixer: Mediterranean Tonic Garnish: Cucumber GITH Verdict: As the name implies this is not a lightweight gin, the green tea is a focal flavour and each sip offers a new layer of discovery.
Brand: Sipsmith Dry Gin Distilled: UK Main Botanicals: juniper, coriander seeds, orris root, angelica root, ground almond, cinnamon, orange & lemon peel Mixer: Elderflower tonic Garnish: Rosemary & Lime GITH Verdict: Sipsmith is an artisanal distillery who use traditional copper stills. The resulting flavour is very distinct with strong classic juniper harmonising with citrus.
Brand: G'vine Floraison Distilled: France Main Botanicals: juniper, green cardamom, ginger, vine flower, nutmeg, cubeb berries. Mixer: Oriental Yuzu Tonic Garnish: Fig & mixed berries GITH Verdict: fun fact - this gin is uniquely made from grape spirit as opposed to grain which really comes through in this fruity, herbal blend.
Hurrah for Gin!
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