The Intoxicologist Is In

Quite simply stated, G’vine Gin is divine.  From first glance at the sleek, individually numbered bottle to the last savored drop, this gin is something exceptionally different. 

Traditional gins use grain as the base in their distillation process.  G’vine Gin is the first ever gin created using the vine flower from grapes, specifically Ugni Blanc grapes from the region of Cognac.  This difference alone brings a floral nuance and soft finish to G’vine Gin rather than the sharper twist of some time-honored grain distilled gins.  Rounding out this unique gin is the infusion of nine fresh whole-fruits botanicals; ginger root, licorice, green cardamom, cassia bark, coriander, juniper berries, cubeb berries, nutmeg and lime.  G’vine Gin maintains such high quality by distilling their gin in small batches in balanced proportion.  More information regarding this process as well as G’vine Gin’s Press Release may be found in the “Pages” section in the right hand column or at G’vine Gin.

This French gin is quite an exquisite find.  While I never thought myself much of a gin drinker, G’vine Gin bridges the gap between flavored vodkas and gins rather nicely.  It has a floral quality to it, but is not flowery like one would think of rose or lavender essence.  G’vine Gin is light, almost spring like in its gentleness to the palate, yet the subtle tones of licorice, cardamom, and coriander rise to the occasion and linger on the tastes buds just enough to let the uniqueness of this gin shine through.  In my opinion G’vine Gin is the ideal spirit to transition between traditional gin and infused vodkas. 

Wanting to make a fair assessment of this unusual spirit, I taste tested it in a variety of drinks from the traditional to the trendy. 

For the hard core gin drinker a gin martini may be the drink of choice, so I tried G’vine Gin out in a Straight-Up Martini with a lemon twist.  The G’vine Gin does not come out as crisp, clean and sharp as a Tanqueray 10 martini.  It is softer with very specific hints of licorice.  For me the purpose of a Straight-Up Martini is something razor edge sharp, crisp and clean.  For others it may be a unique flavor twist.  G’vine Gin may be the perfect thing for that with its floral quality just like Hendrick’s Gin is for others with its earthy cucumber undertones. 

Another traditional favorite is a Gin & Tonic.  G’vine Gin provided a real variation to this summer treat.  Rather than an ordinary sparkling highball with a little lime flavor, G’vine Gin added subtle hints of the infused botanicals in just the right measure.  A wonderful cocktail experience should be more than chugging down a drink to cure thirst.  For that there is water.  A well made cocktail with premium well made spirits will have a layering effect that leave a consumer tasting for the flavor, savoring to pin point what it is they are experiencing on their taste buds.  G’vine Gin sends the taster back time and again to discover the hidden wonders of its infusion process.

G’vine Gin also has a listing of cocktail recipes which includes the G’vine Orchid.  This is a most pleasant trendy cocktail.  However, not many people or cocktail bars will have an orchid for garnish as is recommended in the recipe.  While the flavor is excellent, I did find it to have a little too much grapefruit juice in it, so I did amend it to my own palate’s pleasure.  The recipe that follows shows my version, but the link above which is in the “Pages” section in the right hand column is G’vine Gin’s original G’vine Orchid.  You may find that one to your liking.

The G’spot hit the spot.  The Chambord is rich with color and black raspberry flavor.  The fresh lemon and lime juices combine in perfect balance.  The G’spot is not too sweet with just the right hint of tart.  Each sip is completed with the unique underlying flavors of the G’vine Gin.  This is an exceptional cocktail indeed.

Lastly I tried the G’vine Cosmo.  This too, is an exceedingly well built drink.  Traditionally constructed with vodka, the Cosmo has been renovated with G’vine Gin.  This change over can be made with many cocktails on the market as well as new cocktails to be created.  Another trend has been champagne topped cocktails.  The G’vine Cosmo is ideal for this.  There is just enough sweetness in the Cointreau to balance out an ounce or two of Brut Champagne and still allow the Cosmo and the G’vine Gin to bubble through. 

Innovative concepts such as gin from grape flowers rather than tried and true methods that have been around for years is what infuse new life into the realm of cocktails.  Shaking things up, keeping things fresh, and stirring the imagination while maintaining the integrity of the liquor and cocktail industry is what sparks my curiosity and excitement in the spirit realm.  G’vine Gin has certainly achieved this with its remarkable product. 

Gin & Tonic

2 ounces G’vine Gin

1/2 ounce Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Tonic Water

Lime Wedge for Garnish

Fill a high ball glass with ice.  Pour in G’vine Gin and lime juice.  Top with tonic water.  Garnish with a lime wedge.

G’vine Orchid (Intoxicologist’s version)

1-1/2 ounce G’vine Gin

1 ounce Pink Grapefruit Juice

1/2 ounce Elderflower Syrup (use St-Germain Liqueur if unavailable)

1-1/2 ounce Brut Champagne

Combine first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled one third full of ice.  Shake thoroughly for 10 to 15 seconds.  Strain into a cocktail glass.  Top off with Brut Champagne.  Garnish with an orchid if available or grapefruit twist if desired.

G’spot

1-1/2 ounce G’vine Gin

1/2 ounce Chambord

1/4 ounce Simple Syrup (Bar Syrup)

1/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

Lemon Twist for Garnish

Add all ingredients except garnish to a cocktail shaker filled one third full of ice.  Shake for 10 to 15 seconds.  Strain into a martini glass.  Garnish with lemon twist.

G’vine Cosmo

2 ounces G’vine Gin

1 ounce Cointreau

1 ounce Cranberry Juice

1/2 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

Lime Wheel & Orange Twist for Garnish

Add all liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled one third full of ice.  Shake for 10 to 15 seconds.  Strain into a cocktail glass.  Garnish with lime wheel and orange twist.  Side note:  For added fun top off with an ounce or two of Brut Champagne.

If you cannot find G’vine Gin near you, it is available online at www.drinkupny.com, www.grandeharvestwines.com, www.mondoliquor.com, www.morrellwine.com, www.parkaveliquor.com, and www.sherry-lehmann.com.  G’vine does plan to expand nationally within the United States.  The price point for G’vine Gin is at a suggested retail price between $35 and $40.