February is a short month and it’s been a quiet one for me too. There’s still a fair bit to read about though, so please do…!

Booze News

This month’s booze news is all about cocktails! First up Bob Bob Ricard is claiming to have created the World’s Coldest Martini, which is batched without ice or dilution, frozen in its bottle and served at -22ºC into a frozen glass. If that tickles your fancy get to Bob Bob Ricard Soho where you can choose between Reserve Vodka or Tanqueray No. 10 gin as a base with a twist or an olive to garnish.

Meanwhile, March 25th has been declared World Hanky Panky Day! Before you get any silly ideas, the day is all about celebrating the classic cocktail created in the 1900s by Ada Coleman; Head Bartender at The Savoy’s American Bar and one of the first female bartenders in London. Expect to see the Hanky Panky – which consists of equal parts gin and sweet vermouth with a little kick of Fernet – showcased at some of the UK’s most respected bars, including The Savoy’s American Bar, Raffles Spy Bar, Eve Bar and the newly opened Cato.

New Gin Alerts

First up, huge apologies to Gower Gin for forgetting to feature their new Gyda Chariad / With Love Gin in last month’s Gin Monthly. Designed as a love letter to Japan this limited edition London Dry gin features yuzu, sansho pepper and plum as key botanicals and comes in at 45% ABV. February has also seen the release of Salford Gin – a classic London Dry featuring citrus peel, lemon balm and willow bark – and Tanghulu Street Candy Gin, infused with hawthorn, Guangdong liquorice and Buddha’s Hand citrus, from Shanghai-born Peddlers Gin. Last but certainly not least, Hendrick’s has introduced their first new permanent gin in almost a decade! Presented in a striking white bottle, Another Hendrick’s Gin is based on the brand’s original recipe but with the addition of cacao and orange blossom.

My Month in Gin

I had lots of fun things planned for February but sadly I spent the first fortnight feeling pretty under the weather so had to cancel lots of commitments. Luckily I recovered in time to join The Guild of Fine Food’s Great Taste spirits judging. Over three days I judged approximately 150 products – including everything from bitters and cream liqueurs to mead and mezcal – and also had the pleasure of catching up with some old industry friends as well as making some new ones. And all of us were delighted to find a few three-star products and get a new pin badge too!

Welcome to My Collection

I was delighted to receive two brand-new beautiful bottles this month; Ukiyo’s Japanese Nashi Pear Gin and Salford Gin too. I can’t wait to crack them both open!

Catching Up and Looking Forward

March promises more judging as well as a few fun events. And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for my latest Drinksbiz column all about English whisky ahead of English Whisky Week in April!🍸🛎🛎