Mr Pickles Gin

Mr Pickles Gin is listed as a gin, and the details we have don't include a botanical list, ABV or distillery notes. What follows is what to expect from the category, not a measured profile of this bottle. By definition a gin is built on juniper, so expect some pine-resin and dry-wood character. Most modern gins add coriander seed, citrus peel and sometimes floral or root botanicals such as angelica or orris. Whether this one leans classic and juniper-forward or contemporary and citrus or floral, the first sip will show you. A quick taste neat, or over a single ice cube, is the best way to decide which of the drinks below suits it. The Gin & Tonic is the easiest place to start. Use a large balloon glass or a tall highball, fill it nearly to the top with cold, clear ice, and pour about 50 ml of gin over it. Add 100 to 150 ml of a good tonic, which is roughly a 1:2 to 1:3 ratio, and stir once. Large ice melts slowly and keeps the drink from going watery. For garnish, a wedge of lime or a wide strip of lemon peel suits a juniper-led style. Grapefruit peel, cucumber or a sprig of rosemary tend to flatter gins with citrus or herbal notes. For stirred drinks, a Negroni (equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari over ice with an orange peel) shows whether a gin has enough backbone to stand up to bitterness. A juniper-forward gin usually holds its shape there. A Martini, at roughly 60 ml gin to 10 ml dry vermouth, stirred over ice until very cold and strained into a chilled coupe or martini glass, leaves the gin with the least cover. Finish it with a lemon twist or an olive, depending on whether you want brightness or a savory edge. A Tom Collins is the long, lighter option. Shake 45 ml gin with 25 ml fresh lemon juice and 15 to 20 ml simple syrup, then strain over ice into a tall glass. Top with soda water and add a lemon wheel. Keep the bottle in a cool cupboard or the freezer. Gin keeps its aroma well chilled, and the higher alcohol content means it won't freeze solid in a home freezer.