Tanqueray vs. Hendrick's Gin?

[Unpossible]

I know the obvious answer here is Hendricks. That said, I only use gin for mixing old school cocktails and gin and tonics.

So...is Hendricks too much gin for those purposes or would those things be that much better with the Hendricks?

Thanks.

[kefcorp]

Maybe I'm an odd one, but I have a really hard time making comparisons here. Hendricks is good stuff, with either lime or cucumber, and in a martini or g&t or straight - but it's also not London Dry. That said, the statement 'gin for people who don't like gin' seems off since I love juniper, but also really like this Hendricks stuff.

But far and away my gin drink of choice is a g&t, and at least to me a more juniper-y gin works better for that. Like a million people said, it's very subjective, and there's so many gins I haven't tried... sucks being a broke student :(

[The Big Crunch]

Totally agree. I find the sort've pathological dismissal of not just Hendricks, but anyone who enjoys it, to be bizarre and really over-the-top. Is it a departure from traditional London Dry? Sure, but is that really so bad? I've had it in a number of wonderful drinks at some of the better cocktail bars in DC. It also shows up in some drinks in the PDT Cocktail Book. I mean, if Todd Thrasher and Jim Meehan have found a use for it, then surely it cannot be the great apostasy to gin that some seem to suggest in this thread. I have Tanqueray, Beefeater, Plymouth, and Hendricks in my home bar, and while Plymouth and Beefeater tend to be my most used, I also enjoy using Hendricks in some things, in particular, a gin rickey, which happens to be the "official" drink of DC.

[MGZ]

Personally, I find Hendricks too flat for lime flavored drinks. There's a distinct lack of spice. Curious, have you ever tried the Effen or Square One Cucumber vodkas? Or the Rogue Spruce gin? They have a very similar profile to Hendricks.

[bishopsbitter]

I suppose I should at least try Hendrick's but its sudden pandemic popularity does tend to put me off. On a separate tack, as a lifelong g&t man I have (for years in the US) been too lazy to insist on lemon versus lime (so often one asks, and the bartender's ears don't register it: eventually you give up). To me though, g&t with lemon is a hugely superior combo to with lime. That's how it's served (with lemon) in the UK and I suspect in its original Raj incarnation. I find lime to be a "flat" flavor in and of itself whereas lemon is bright and in your attention. Curious how many g&ters might agree or otherwise.

[BeefeaterRocks]

Although I do have a Meyer lemon tree I am not all that fond of lemons. A long time ago I used to drink my Beefeater rocks with a lemon twist, I think maybe that was before I discovered cocktail onions. If I am out of limes I would rather have my G & T naked.

[MGZ]

I have no interest in ever having a G&T with Hendricks again - regardless of citrus garnish.

[hambone]

Not mentioned anywhere is a new gin (at least new to me) called Farmers.

Really nice. Hard to find but well worth it.

[bishopsbitter]

Gordon's I think is superior (and so much cheaper!) to both. At least for G&T's.
Martini's another debate.
(Lifelong G&T / Gordon's man!)

[hawkeyeui93]

I am good with Gordon's in my gin buck, G'nT's, or even a martini, but for a few dollars more my daily drinker is Boodles.

[ncyankee101]

I just picked up a handle of Boodles while on vacation - $33 in Myrtle beach.

[hawkeyeui93]

I bought a bottle last night [in Ames, Iowa] for $17.79, I was mad because earlier this Summer, it went up a dollar a fifth. It is rare when I am on the good end of the price differences across the country I have seen on here over the past year,

[ncyankee101]

I was similarly disappointed when broker's went up over a dollar here, from $15.50 to $17. Still a great deal though, as is Boodles at $18 - the best price I see for Boodles online is $17, and most places are over $20.

I had bought a bottle online last year for $14 which was the best price I had seen at the time, so when I saw the half gallon for $33 I jumped on it.

[curseofleisure]

Boodles has been steadily climbing in price here in Texas. Just a year ago, it was in the $17 to $18 range. In the last few months it has slowly risen to its current price of $21-$22. Meanwhile, Tanqueray has gone down a dollar, so they are typically the same price these days. Broker's and Bombay Dry have both gone up by $1. Beefeater has stayed the same. And don't even get me started on Plymouth. We're talking $10 increase since I discovered it a year and a half ago. I think what's happening is due to two different factors. First, the popularity of gin is rising due to the craft cocktail movement and an increased focus on gin by the popular press. This has created a "rising tide lifts all boats" effect, where we see gin prices generally getting higher, at least for the premium and super-premium brands (which are the ones that get all the marketing and PR attention). Second, because of the growth in this segment, there are many new (and previously unavailable) brands on the market, and liquor stores are stocking a wider assortment of brands to meet demand. The result is more competition, yet upward forces on price due to gin's rising profile. The consumer is responding by being more adventurous and willing to try a new gin that's on sale or that they read about in a magazine, instead of picking up their tried and true Tanqueray or Sapphire. I've got to think Tanq and Sapphire have seen their market share go down, which is evident in the slight dip in their pricing, and the introduction in premium versions of their products. I'm no economist, but this is my take on what's occurring. All in all, it's a wonderful time to be a gin lover--the gin section at my local warehouse liquor store keeps taking up a wider shelf space, and new brands come in every few months.

[hawkeyeui93]

I have never seen Boodles in a handle, but when I was in Destin, I got a half gallon of Bombay Original for $23, which blows away the average fifth price for Bombay in Iowa, which is between $19-20.

[MGZ]

Yep, if a place has Gordon's on the rail, I'm good - especially at a couple bucks less a martini.

[Pmd669]

I hate gin; but love Hendricks and New Amstersdam. All things considered, NA is as good as H, at about 1/3 the cost.

[MGZ]

If one hates gin, Hendricks and New Amsterdam are the ones to drink for sure. On the other hand, if one loves gin, they should best be passed over. Face it, they are more like the infused vodkas that have saturated the market (which, clearly gin is an ancient example of, but, I'll just be a bit prescriptivist on this point . . . ).

[Pmd669]

Gin doesn't have to be painful. :-)

[hawkeyeui93]

And I'm OK with Hendricks in small doses [with my biggest issue being the rose taste], but New Amsterdam has a fake citrus taste that I just cannot enjoy nor overcome with maybe the possible exception of a Greyhound.

[MGZ]

And, as I've posted before, I pick up bubble gum notes in NA.

[hawkeyeui93]

MGZ: That could be it .... Whatever it is, it made me pass it up in the gin aisle recently, despite being $8/fifth on sale.

[JMF]

As I've said in the past, add me to the list of NA haters...

[The Big Crunch]

What an odd comparison. I mean, use what you like, but they're really fairly different gins with their own unique attributes and possible drawbacks. I think in the right drink Hendrick's is great. However, for classic cocktails, I almost always use either Plymouth or Beefeater, which is my preference over Tanqueray in the London Dry style.

[JohnnyR1000]

I need to try some of these martinis. I cant drink beer or wine so recently started drinking gin because I was bored with vodka. I only drink my spirits with water or club soda. So far with soda Hendricks has been the most complex of any I have tried. Everything else I try is not even close. I know its not a martini but if it tastes good nearly alone it should mix well too.

[EvergreenDan]

If your restriction to mix with only water or club soda is by choice (rather than, say, medical), you might explore the huge world of flavors in well-made cocktails that don't include wine or beer. There aren't many beer cocktails, but avoiding wine will take a bit of care, since wine appears in many forms (vermouth, sherry, port, certain amari, many aperitifs, etc).

Assuming sugar isn't the issue, the wonderful Gin & Tonic (with lime) would be a great place to dip in your toe. Or tongue. If sugar is an issue, there is diet tonic water.

Should you prefer to stick with just water or club soda, then I'd start exploring the whiskey world -- all of which are great neat, on the rocks, or with a touch of water or club soda. Scotch, bourbon, rye, and Irish are all very rewarding areas of exploration. And then rum is a whole world unto itself. Tequila too. Cognac and Calvados and bears, oh my!

--
www.kindredcocktails.com | Craft + Collect + Concoct + Categorize + Community

[Dapuma]

St Germain liquor and muddled cucumbers go well if you want to step your hendricks and club soda up a notch

Used to be my favorite drink

[JMF]

Actually, just to be technical, Plymouth isn't a London Dry style gin. It is the only example left on the market of a Plymouth Gin. It's softer and lighter that the London Dry style.

I personally like almost all the traditional London Dry style gins. And Plymouth. But many of the new gins that have come out since Tanqueray Sapphire hit the market, are too heavily flavored and unbalanced. They don't work in all cocktails. They aren't interchangeable like traditional dry gins. Some are good and some aren't.

[zin1953]

Uh, "Tanqueray Saphire"? You mean Bombay Sapphire? Tanqueray 10?

[JMF]

Sorry, brain meltdown. Wrapped the two into one. Thanks.

[Bacardi1]

I'll NEVER understand why everyone thinks Hendricks is so fabulous. I think the stuff is nothing but bitter swill - no herbal notes at all. We tried it via recommendation & still have 3/4 of a bottle here that we only use if we've run out of Tanqueray & have no other choice. I can't wait until we've finished it up & I can toss it.

But as I've said many, many times before - the key thing about food is that it's ALL about personal preference. Go figure.

[zin1953]

It's the gin for people who don't like gin. (Can't believe this thread is still active!)

[gstevens0001]

Hendricks is best straight up with a slice of English Cucumber...do not waste this fine Gin with ANY mixer!

[zin1953]

>>> I know the obvious answer here is Hendricks. <<<

Why is that "the obvious answer"? Isn't it a matter of TASTE, rather than a matter of BUZZ?

[invinotheresverde]

Agreed.

I personally like my gin to taste like gin, not roses and cucmber. Ick.

[BeefeaterRocks]

Right on!

[MGZ]

Style over substance . . . .

[tanker64]

If I want a salad drink, I'll make a Bloody Mary. Hendricks tastes like perfume from CVS...

[JonParker]

That's harsh, but I tend to agree. Although I wouldn't drink a Bloody Mary.

[tanker64]

Generally a "hair of the dog" item......

[ginreviews]

Zin, I couldn't agree more. Much like how Cliff Notes creates the buzz. The Classic Novel creates the taste. People at Cliff Notes can eat their words :)

[ginreviews]

I wouldn't include Tangueray or Hendrick's into the Vs. Since they are two completely different products. It's all a matter of personal preference. I wouldn't pick either.

[ginreviews]

We could scratch off Tanqueray vs Hendricks and go Beefeater vs Broker's :)
Lets compare apples to apples

[seiun]

In my opinion, Hendrick's is a fascinating beverage, but it's gin for people who really don't like gin. The word "gin" is likely derived from the French "genièvre", meaning "juniper". If you don't like the taste of juniper berries, you should probably stick to vodka.

I often use Hendrick's for gin and tonics or Gin Bucks. I stick with classic London Dry gin for Martinis. My personal preference is Gordon's, mixed 4:1 with a good Italian vermouth like Martini and Rossi. If you do it right, it shouldn't taste like gin or vermouth--it should just taste clean, crisp, and sophisticated. A Martini that tastes like gin is just gin.

[craigasaurus]

Wrong language source - the English word is derived from the Dutch work Genever (also meaning juniper). The Dutch were the first to flavor spirits with juniper (in their case, the spirit was malt based, kind of like an unaged whiskey). "Dry" gin didn't exist until the invention of the fractional column still, which produced an unflavored neutral spirit. Because the spirit was so "clean," the taste of juniper is more pronounced in "dry" styles of gin.

I've heard that the martini was first made (in the form that we now recognize it - it evolved from other drinks) was made with Plymouth gin, and that, too, is my preference. Of course, many people would say that Plymouth is a gin for people who don't really like gin, but I digress...

[Maxfriedau]

WOW! I received a bottle of Hendrick's from a friend for Christmas. I never heard of it. Been a Gin drinker since 1967 but pretty much stuck to Tanqueray, Bombay Fry, and Bombay Sapphire. But this is going to be my drink for martinis and just gin on ice from now on.

[Maxmillion]

^ similar -- I just cottoned on to Hendricks this past Christmas and I really love it for G & Ts -- with some fresh cucumber slices instead of fresh lime juice (of which I used to like a lot in there - perhaps too much...)

No more Bombay Sapphire for me for the time being, altho Sapphire is way more affordable (less than half the cost) than Hendricks.

Case in point: TJs (Sthn Cali) is selling a 750ml bottle of Hendricks for about $25.

BevMo sells a 1.75 Litre bottle of Bombay Sapphire for around $30!

It's tough when you develop expensive tastes *sigh*

[BustedFlush]

Obvious? I think not. Hendricks tastes like grandma. I mean, before she died and everything, but still....eww. Just no. Do not want.

Tanqueray has never really impressed me, but it has also never triggered my gag reflex like Hendricks, so I guess it's the 'winner' here.

[Acts7]

Has anyone tried "New Amsterdam Gin"? Its recently become my favorite everyday gin. Has an extra hint of ctirus. It tastes a lot like tanqueray but with more lime-i-ness. I would highly recommend it.

[JMF]

I tried it a few years ago when it came out and was unimpressed. Then a sample bottle was sent to me a few weeks ago and I was asked to enter their cocktail contest down in New Orleans last Sunday. The gin is pretty good, light and citrusy, and at a good price. BUT, I got really pissed off that at the cocktail contest the spokesperson kept harping on about it being a NY product, with a bottle shaped like the Empire State Building. I looked on the label and it says made in California. I got so annoyed I walked out of the contest. If you are going to say you are a NY product, you better be made in NY.

[jaykayen]

New Amsterdam and Tanqueray are worlds apart. NA is much lighter on the juniper, definitely goes down easier. It's kind of the gin for people who don't like gin, and I don't mean that in a disparaging way, because the first gin drink I ever had was a Tanqueray and tonic, and man, I hated it.

Aviations, I use NA. Pegu Clubs, I do use Tanqueray. G&T, not Tanqueray.

[EvergreenDan]

Sorry. I just don't get the citrus thing. So many drinks have fresh citrus in them (juice, express zest, or bitters), and citrus is so easy to add to a drink, why do I want more citrus in my gin? That way I can add it (e.g. G&T) or not (Martini).

[jaykayen]

I know its always edgy to go for bigger flavors and higher proofs, but I just don't find aggressive gins to be my style.

[MGZ]

Once upon a time, I decided to start trying different gins neat (a thankless endeavor, perhaps, but one I grew enjoy). I found the New Amsterdam to be sort of sweet and I swear I tasted hints of bubble gum. I did also find the Tanqueray to have some inherent sweetness and lots of citrus. I actually preferred Hendrick's neat to having it in a cocktail as I don't really enjoy it with Noilly Pratt.

To the extent anyone cares, I found DH Krahn to my favorite - very pleasant . . . balanced, clean, and quite sippable.

[e_bone]

MGZ- bubble gum is a great adjective... I don't just find New Amsterdam unlikeable because of the aforementioned "citrus" qualities but because of the fact that the citrus character tastes completely artificial. I liken it to a "dreamsicle" from my youth or those gawd-awful circus peanuts made of marshmallow. I couldn't believe the gin wouldn't even work in a gin and tonic.. and I'll happily drink Gordon's in a G&T. New Amsterdam is putrid.

Wish I knew more about the comments way back 3 years ago discussing top-shelf tonic water! I'd spend extra for that!

[Tom349]

For me it has to be Tanqueray. Its a classic gin and perfect for the classics.
Hendrick's is a fine gin but it's slightly musky, cucumber notes make is somehow inappropriate for Martinis or G&T. As they say its unusual.

[thegolferbitch]

Neither. Plymouth if I can find it for a martini if not, then a G&T w/ Gordons (my dad's gin) But gin is such a matter of taste. Most bars in my area would have you believe that only Tanq. and Bombay Sapphire exist.

[JMF]

That's sad and so much the truth. I have been to many very good bars in NYC and they have only the big players. Bombay and Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray and Tanqueray 10, Beefeaters and rarely Beefeaters Wet, etc. Maybe they will have Gordons as one step above well (I think it is a premium gin at a regular gin price) if it is an older place. I like Tanqueray and Bombay, dislike Sapphire and 10, and I'll take Gordons over any of them If I'm sticking to gin rocks or GnT for the evening. Gordons is an easy sipping gin with a classic taste. I mentally use it as the benchmark for a classic London Dry style. It has incredible balance and structure, but is light and lean, not too much or too little of anything.

Lately I have been proselytizing about the new premium gins. There are so many great ones, reasonably priced, with such unique flavors and riffs on the traditional styles.

[therealbigtasty]

All those softer gins don't do it for me... I want my gin to taste like gin.

[JMF]

What softer gins? And what do you specifically mean by softer? That's a loose term.

Many of the new gins are very big, full of juniper and other botanicals.

[therealbigtasty]

Sorry for the vagary. It's a term I read used to describe the Tang 10 and Beefeater Wet bottles. I'm sure the new gins are beautiful, any brands you recommend?

I just committed a vague description sin...it's like when people ask me for a dry red in my bar...

[JMF]

I agree about T-10. I don't care for it. I feel it has a too sweet and citrus taste, also a glycerin feel. I was told by a friend who is a UK spirts expert that he felt the same about glycerin in T-10 and actually asked them if there was any added and they said no. BUT I found out that glydcerin is a by product of the distilling process and so by maneuvering the process there could be glycerin in it anyway. Glycerin would give that smooth, slightly thick, slightly sweet, almost viscous feel to the T-10.

I haven't tried Beefeater Wet yet. I have been putting it off because Beefeater London Dry isn't one of my favorite gins. It is a well executed and traditional London Dry but a little to steel and flint like for me.

If you want to know what bottles I recommend look back up any gin threads or go to my reviews, see link below.

http://www.slashfood.com/search/?q=gin

[therealbigtasty]

Cool! Thanks.

[cocktailqueen77]

After reading all this, and being a true gin lover (no matter the gin) I think it all depends on the person consuming a gin related drink.

I prefer what I like in gin, but as a bartender, I have to take into consideration every consumers taste (as different as it could be). It's just like wine,we each like what we like-that's just it!! Whether it runs the gamat from Beefeaters to Old Raj...you just have to taste your way through them.

[Harp00n]

Well spoken, there are no absolutes (no pun intended) when coming to the world of spirits. Try a variety of brands & styles then decide what YOU like not someone else's idea of marketing image.

[lainamalone]

Is anyone else simply not convinced by the alleged cucumber/rose notes in Hendricks? When I sampled it (with just soda water), all I got was a big wallop of coriander-- so much so that it reminded me of some coriander-infused vodka I'd had a Russian restaurant! (But maybe I'm just a philistine and am not getting the subtler notes?)
I generally tend to go for Tanq., but Beefeater's has some nostalgic associations for me- ah, the sound of my grandfather's martini shaker every afternoon...

[kenito799]

When I had a Hendrick's martini made the "modern" way (hardly any vermouth, maybe none at all--this was at a hotel lounge and I didnt see it being made), garnished with a cucumber spear, I was blown away by the floral rose notes (obviously the cucumber was there as well). I guess its aromatics can't stand up to any competition.

If I ever buy it again (so pricey! plus I am hooked on Plymouth right now) I will make vermouth-free "martinis" with it (not really a martini, obviously).

[mojoeater]

I can definitely taste the cucumber when I drink it on the rocks or in a very dry martini. I would never use it for a G&T, since it would be overwhelmed.

[Spines]

I detect the rose very easily, the cucumber not so much. If you want juniper, Hendricks is def not the one to reach for. I actually like Juniper a lot, so I get Beefeater in G&Ts and G&7's. I like Plymouth as an all-purpose gin, it's really nice and well balanced while still being distinctly gin (Hendricks is almost its own thing). Ive only had Tanq once or twice in G&T's but I wasnt that crazy about it (didnt dislike it either).

[seiun]

I absolutely agree. Plymouth is excellent gin. And if Gordon's was good enough for James Bond, it's good enough for me.

[invinotheresverde]

I've seen you mention James Bond and gin in quite a few threads now. You do realize he's a fictional character, right? ;)

[JonParker]

So is Travis McGee but I still love my Plymouth.

[invinotheresverde]

That's because Plymouth is kick-ass.

[JonParker]

So is John D. MacDonald.

[Maxmillion]

funny! Yes, Bond is a fictional creation, but very much based on the life and actual adventures & behavior of its creator Ian Fleming.

Also, he's not exactly known for his taste in gin (as well know, vodka martinis get mentioned a lot) but he was quite the aficionado of champagne, brandy, sherry, wine and also knew exactly what temperature to serve hot sake.

From the movie -- "You Only Live Twice" --

"No, no. I like sake," James replies, "especially when it's served at the correct temperature, 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit." (i.e., 36.8 degrees Celsius)

BUT -- other research gets me this --

35 - 40 deg C / 95 - 104 deg F Hito-hada-kan
Human-skin-warm
(Human-body-temp.) Best to drink for normal grades.

[therealbigtasty]

Um, I like Tangueray. Hendrick's is too soft for me. Sometimes I like a Hendrick's martini, but Tangueray I just love.

[sailormouth]

If I could throw a darkhorse gin in here for some of y'alls' opinion, has anyone else had Old Raj? Smooth and easy like Hendricks but infused with saffron, which in addition to adding a really neat gold color makes for a new taste for gin away from the traditional flavors.

For G&T's, I strongly prefer T10 with lemon, Gordons 2nd, Hendricks 3rd. Tanqueray only if it's the well gin.

[JMF]

I like Cadenheads Old Raj a lot, I have a bottle of it on my desk to review in the next few days. (Along side 7 other gins for review) I like Hendricks, but think Old Raj is much better. There are so many good gins out there and new ones coming out all the time.

[sailormouth]

I do "reviews" of liquor at my desk all the time too!

Just kidding, in case you're reading bos. . .

My chief concern with Old Raj, aside from the price, is that it seems too good to be taken seriously, kind of like a white russian or a s'more or macaroni and cheese.

[JMF]

I don't understand what you mean. "white russian or a s'more or macaroni and cheese" I don't think I would put Old Raj in the class of comfort foods/drinks like those. I would put it more in the realm of caviar, foie gras, etc.

The price may be the highest for any gin at around $44, it isn't that bad for a special occasion, super premium gin. I don't use it in cocktails or with tonic, only sipped on the rocks. I pay a lot more for fine sipping single malts.

[Hobson]

Quick G & T story. 16 years old working one summer with my Uncle in construction. After work one day we visit his friend and he makes us each a G & T. Great off the boat German guy says he made mine real weak. German guy asks my Uncle what he thinks, my Uncle being off the boat Italian doesn't due G & T, and my Uncle is unimpressed. German guy makes my Uncle another and that one he liked. Turns out the crazy German mixed up the drinks. Needless to say I passed out when I got home and I have been a G & T guy ever since. The only way to have them Tanquery Schweppes Tonic and a lime. Serve with lots of ice in a high ball and dream of Summer.

[Raven333]

I've been a fan of Hendrick's since my girlfiend made me a G&T with it, as for a martini
I still prefer Tanqueray 10. However, the owner of my local package store recomend
Miller's ...*very* nice, crisp taste, clean finish, and not too expenseive. It has since
become my "everyday" gin of choice.
http://www.millersgin.com

[anejospirit]

Depends on your mood, I had a martini with Hendrick's gin the other day with a cucumber, it was wonderful… although I tend to drink more Tanqueray.

[foodforthought.m]

Hendrick's is hands down my favorite gin. Not because I drink vodka and need to have a gin-baby-blanket but because I appreciate the subtlety of its flavors to those of Tanqueray. While I know many people enjoy Tanqueray, I feel like I'm licking a pine air freshener when I drink it. Hendricks retains a hint of juniper flavor with a smooth cucumber note and a hint of rose. The overall result is an incredibly fresh and juniper light gin. It is not, as mentioned above, a London Dry Gin but rather a unique product of Scotland which is made in a Carter-Head Still-of which there are only four still in existence.

[MC Slim JB]

Who referred to Hendrick's as London Dry gin?

[foodforthought.m]

My fault, I was unclear. Not that Hendrick's had been referred to as a London dry... rather, I was referring to London dry as a category in general to which it may be compared

[Harp00n]

I would suggest you give the brand new kid on the block, Tanqueray Rangpur (lime), a little test drive. It has a completely different taste profile than it's brethrens. Hell, it even taste great neat or on the rocks.

[MC Slim JB]

The definition of which is the better gin depends strictly on its application. Tanqueray is a more classic London Dry style of gin, with a very assertive juniper flavor. I think Hendrick's has been formulated to appeal to super-premium vodka drinkers who are bored with vodka (as they probably should be) but don't love juniper. Hendrick's tones the juniper way down in favor of rose and cucumber notes.

I like both. I think Hendrick's makes a lovely G&T, especially when garnished with both a cucumber slice and a lime wedge. But its subtleties get clobbered in a good gin cocktail like a Negroni (one of my favorites). The assertiveness of a Negroni's other components, especially Campari, require a drier, beefier gin like Tanqueray for balance.

Probably my favorite use of Hendrick's is as a "gateway gin" for folks I'm trying to convert to gin's charms. Make an Aviation cocktail with Hendrick's for someone who claims to hate gin, and tell them it's made with vodka. Most folks I've done this to actually like it, and start approaching other gin drinks with a more open mind.

[kenito799]

The first time I bought a bottle of Hendrick's I sort of liked it in a martini garnished with a cucumber, but still preferred martinis made with Plymouth or Boodles.

Then I recently had a Hendrick's martini at a bar with a big wedge of cucmber and was blown away by the floral (rose) and cucumber flavor--fantastic! I found that I hadn't been thrilled at home because I was adding too much vermouth. The bar had made the typical "super dry wave the vermouth bottle at the shaker" vodka martini recipe and it worked perfectly with Hendrick's. The flavors are subtle and, for me, best enjoyed without embellishment, unlike other martinis, which I like with a real amount of vermouth, maybe 1:5.

[gargantua]

To me the sign of a good gin is when it is good on its own... I love a Tanqueray on the rocks with olives...

mmm i think I will have one now...

[Kaisgraham]

My husband drinks gin and tonics and always prefers 10 to either of yours.

[JMF]

The better the spirit, the better the cocktail or drink. Also the better the mixer, the better the drink. But you also have to look at the flavor profile of the spirit. There are so many different types of gin on the market today, it seems a new premium one pops up every few months. They taste different and so you need to look at what type of drink you are mixing.

Hendricks has a unique flavor profile (the floral and vegetal style), as does Tanqeuray (a classic London Dry Gin) and Tanqueray No. 10 (a citrus forward, heavy bodied gin). I really like regular Tanqueray, and Hendricks, but don't care much for T-10. It is too citrusy with a glycerin like body and I find it fights with the vermouth in a martini. But in a gin and tonic the T-10 goes ok because the citrus matches with the quinine. Hendricks gets overwhelmed in a gin and tonic, and regular Tanqueray to me tastes best of the three in a GnT.

I really like the musky, orange taste of Bluecoat gin. It's very smooth and unique.
South is very different with its Maori medicinal herbs.
G'Vine is amazingly floral, it's made from grape spirits and has green grape flowers as a major component.

I have 2 dozen different gins right next to me an each one has different flavors and goes better or worse with different types of cocktails. I was at a gin for charity event recently where the same cocktail (The Aviation) was made with different gins and you tasted mini glasses full to compare. This really pointed out to me just how different each gin is when used in a cocktail, not just on the rocks.

[Jimmy Buffet]

Two dozen gins! JMF, just off the top of your head, which gin would you you go for when making a martini?

[zin1953]

Plymouth.

[invinotheresverde]

Ditto, except make mine a Gibson.

[JMF]

Lately I like the new Brooklyn Gin, the one with the normal spelling, not the one with the weird spelling.

[ballifimac]

While I'm definitely a Hendricks man for martinis, I honestly prefer Tanqueray 10 for a G&T. Its botanicals stand out above the tonic more distinctly.

I think the overlooked (and important) factor to a G&T is the tonic. Spend the extra $0.20 and get the better tonic (i.e. not Polar). For my drinks, I think that extra couple cents on tonic water makes as much of a difference as an extra $10 on gin.

[Atomica]

What are good brands of tonic? I never thought about there being a big difference between brands.

[JMF]

Of the regular brands Schwepps is the best. Canada Dry is pretty good. But expect to see premium crafted, small batch tonic water available in limited quantities right now.

Q premium tonic water, sweetened with agave nectar. I haven't tried it yet but have heard that it is sharper and less sweet with much more flavor than the old tonic waters. there are a few other brands as well just coming in to production.
http://qtonicwater.com/

Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water (from the UK) and Stirrings triple filtered tonic water (Massachustets) are both sweetened with pure cane sugar. They are both supposed to be very tasty. Fever Tree is only available in the Uk at this time.
http://www.fever-tree.com
http://www.stirrings.com/sodastonic.php

Jim Meehan a mixologist at Gramercy Tavern and the Pegu Club is working on a lime and lemongrass tonic water.

[Atomica]

I'd like to try Q, but their site gives no indication of where it might be available.

[JMF]

I called them and I will post that info when they return my call.

[Atomica]

In reading posts from the creator of Q Tonic on eGullet, I have my doubts that it's available.

[JMF]

Just got a call and it will be available soon. Maybe before spring.

[Atomica]

Available . . . in stores?

[JMF]

Yes

[mdavis7]

fever tree is available in the u.s. now. (i don't know how it's distributed, but there is at least one store in st louis that carries it--the wine merchant, ltd.) fentimen's is also excellent and distributed more widely.

[JMF]

Yes, Fever Tree has been available for almost four years now. I was the first person to receive any in the States. They shipped me all of their products a few weeks before they hit store shelves so I could review them. Fentimen's is also good, I know the brand owner for the US, and they are some great products.

[tdo ca]

Hendricks makes a fine martini - not sure about its value to a G & T.