Hendricks Another Gin

Another Gin is a Hendrick's release distilled in Girvan, Scotland, and bottled at 43.4% ABV. That is a touch stronger than the standard 41.4% many gins ship at, and the extra strength helps the botanicals hold their shape when the gin is diluted with tonic, soda or ice. Hendrick's is best known for a cucumber-and-rose house style, so expect this expression to sit on the contemporary, floral side of the category rather than the piney, juniper-first side. The supplier describes it as built around rare botanicals and a floral profile. We don't have a botanical list or official tasting notes, so treat the character below as what styles like this usually deliver rather than a measured profile. In the glass, expect juniper to act as a backbone rather than the lead. Floral and softly herbal or fruity top notes should come first, followed by a smooth, rounded finish. Gins in this lane tend to reward gentle handling, and they can taste thin if the mixer is too sweet or too loud. That makes a Gin & Tonic the most natural first pour. Use a balloon glass or a tall highball filled to the top with large, cold ice. Pour 50 ml of gin, then top with a restrained, lightly flavored tonic at roughly two parts tonic to one part gin. For garnish, a ribbon of cucumber or a thin strip of grapefruit or lemon peel suits a floral gin better than a heavy lime wedge. A sprig of mint or thyme also works. A Tom Collins is a good alternative: shake the gin with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, strain over ice into a highball, and top with soda. The soft botanicals show up well in the lighter, citrus-driven build. In a Martini, stir the gin with a small measure of dry vermouth over plenty of ice until very cold, then strain into a chilled coupe or Martini glass and finish with a lemon twist. A gentle, floral gin like this is best served with a lighter hand on the vermouth. A Negroni is also possible with equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. The bitterness and sweetness will dominate, though, so the gin's delicate character comes through more subtly there than in the G&T or the Martini. For all of these drinks, keep the bottle in the freezer or fridge, since the cold concentrates the aromatics and keeps dilution under control.