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In today’s wine podcast, we stumble down a slightly different path and explore the intracacies of an alcohol that we know very little about - Gin. Through an invitation by Debbie at Folsom and Associates, we had an opportunity to meet with Master Mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout. Jacques is an internationally known mixologist, and when he is in San Francisco, he can be found behind the bar at his restaraunt - Tres Agaves, or at Harry Denton’s Starlight room pouring some of the most expensive drinks around, collectively known as the Million Dollar Cocktails.
This event was held in June of 2006 at the W in San Francisco and was an incredible way to learn about the 3 different styles of Gin. Those three styles are: Dutch Style, London Dry Style, and Plymouth. This event was sponsored by Plymouth Gin, and Plymouth’s gin receipe dates back to the one originally used in the 18th Century. Plymouth’s mixture of seven botanicals: Junipers berries, angelica root, orange peel, lemon peel, cardamom pods, orris root, and coriander seeds; give Plymouth a very smooth taste when compared with other gins.
Gin has a fascinating history, which is primarily English in nature. The word ‘Gin’ is derived from the French word from Juiper - Genievere. Although production was very small in the early 17th century, by 1743 London produced almost 20 millions gallons of Gin - the equivalent of nearly 20 gallons for every adult. By the early 18th century, Milk and water had become unsanitary and Gin became the primary means to quench a thirst. In fact, the taxes on Gin were only 2-pence, compared with 4-pence for beer. This lead to the famous ‘Mothers Ruin’ phrase as mothers of the time would get drunk and forget about everything, leading them to ruin. Gin is still entrenched in British history, even today every new ship of the Royal Navy still recieves a ‘Commissioning kit’ from Plymouth gin that consists a pennant, glasses, a gurgling fish jug and a bottle of Plymouth Gin.
Join us as we sit down with Jacques and learn about not only the history of the drink, but also how it is made, and most importantly - how to taste it.
For you faithful listeners, here is Jacques’ receipe that he mentions for his favorite drink, the Negroni.
Negroni Cocktail - Named after Count Camillo Negroni from Florence who wanted an Americano with a kick.
1 oz. Plymouth Gin
1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
1 oz. Campari
Splash of soda (optional)
Build ingredients over ice into a lowball glass and garnish orange zest.
The song for this episode is by Delphinium Blue and the song is California. Show some love for these artists won’t you? Tell them that you heard their song on a podcast.
We hope that you enjoyed our little diversion, let us know what you think. Simply call 408-627-7796 and let us know if you like what you hear, have suggestions, or simply want to provide some comments. If you prefer email, you can drop us a line at guyandgirl@gmail.com.
Cheers!
-A Guy & a Girl
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