Upon stumbling on this article, you're probably wondering, "Why is there an etiquette for drinking gin? Don't you just drink it like any regular booze?”
Well, the answer is obviously no. Yes, you're here to drink it, but there are techniques in which you can consume it and get more satisfaction just by doing it the right way.
If you're going to a gin tasting event, you may notice some unwritten rules that everyone seems to follow. Make your experience with gin more enjoyable as we present you with things to keep in mind as you dig into this beloved liquor.
5 Tips On How To Drink Gin Properly
#1 Choose An Appropriate Glass
Gin is much more enjoyable if you have the proper glassware for it. There are many types of gin glasses that you can use for different kinds of cocktails. The most popular one is the Copa de Balon glass or the "balloon glass." Its unique shape allows you to enjoy the drink's fragrance, and it provides a lot of space for garnishes.
#2 Select Your Gin
There are several brands out there that can cater to everyone's preferences. If you want a traditional taste, go for brands like Beefeater or Bombay as they contain London Dry Gin, a type of gin with a neutral spirit of 96% ABV.
However, if you prefer something sweeter, opt for Old Tom Gin. It's lighter and not as sharp as London Dry.
#3 Appreciate The Smell First
Before drinking, smell it first and cherish the aroma. This tasting event is about using all of your five senses to enjoy the drink. However, be careful about breathing it in as it can be too powerful for your nose. Just gently swirl the glass to mix the air with the spirit and carefully sniff the gin.
The fragrances associated with this drink can be floral, sweet, citrusy, or earthy smells. Make sure to savour the scent before drinking it down!
#4 Don’t Chug It Down
We're not in some college drinking showdown. Gin is better enjoyed with sipping instead of taking in huge gulps. You should take your time and indulge in an explosion of flavours that's about to go into your mouth. After sipping the booze, we recommend you swirl it around your mouth for a bit before swallowing it.
This will give your taste buds the chance to appreciate the botanicals used in making the gin.
#5 Cleanse Your Palate
We recommend you cleanse your palate before switching and trying out other flavours. One way to do this is to sniff some coffee beans. It will "restart" your nasal passages to stay sensitive to the aroma of other drinks. You can also try to smell the back of your hand as it can also reset your sense of smell.
You can also refresh your taste palate by sipping some cold and weak coffee. If you want to taste gin the proper way, always start with a clean slate when working on a new flavour.
Conclusion
Now that you've read the basic rules for tasting this alcoholic beverage, you can have a pleasant and fine professional tasting! When drunk moderately, drinking this liquor can be beneficial to your body. Since it is mainly made with juniper berries, gin is one of the healthiest spirits out there.
Make the most out of your gin tasting experience by following the tips above!
