Lawleys Gin

Lawleys is the only fact we have on this bottle, so what follows describes the style and how to use it, not a measured flavor profile. No ABV, origin, botanical list or age statement was supplied. Check the label for those before leaning on any specific claim. Gins sold under a plain "Gin" name usually sit in the London Dry style, where juniper leads. Expect a piney, resinous opening, then coriander seed, citrus peel and often a little angelica or orris in the background. If this bottle leans contemporary, the juniper steps back for lemon, orange or floral notes. A neat sniff and a small sip over a single ice cube will show which way it goes before you commit it to a mixer. The Gin & Tonic is the easiest test, and it suits both styles. Use a balloon (copa) glass or a tall highball filled to the top with large, cold ice. Large cubes melt slowly, so the drink stays cold without going watery. Pour 50 ml of gin and top with 100 to 150 ml of a good tonic, which is roughly a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio. Pour the tonic down a bar spoon or the side of the glass to keep the fizz. A juniper-forward gin pairs well with a lime wedge or a strip of grapefruit peel. A citrus- or floral-leaning gin does better with a sprig of rosemary or thyme, a cucumber ribbon or a slice of orange. For stirred drinks, a classic juniper-driven gin gives a Negroni the backbone to hold its own against Campari and sweet vermouth. Use equal parts, stir over ice and serve over a large cube with an orange peel. In a Martini, a ratio of about 5 parts gin to 1 part dry vermouth, stirred until very cold and strained into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, lets the botanicals come through. Finish it with a lemon twist or an olive. For a Tom Collins, shake 50 ml of gin with 25 ml of lemon juice and 15 ml of simple syrup, strain over ice into a highball and top with soda water. This is the most forgiving of the four if the gin turns out to be softer or more citrus-led. Store the bottle at room temperature away from direct light, or keep it in the freezer if you mostly serve it in Martinis.