Girl's Guide Party: How I Became a Gin-Enthusiast

Last week I had the privilege of attending the Seattle launch of Beefeater 24 gin. The event was perfectly set at popular Capitol Hill bar Tavern Law as a contemporary tea salon and welcomed local press and industry pros to celebrate Seattle as the 11th market to carry the latest gin.

Though excited, I entered the event incredibly nervous and skeptical. Not only did I favor wine over hard-liquor, I detested gin – from the overwhelmingly piney smell and strong taste to the old man connotation associated with drinking it. I couldn’t help but assume I would spend my evening expanding my knowledge or lack thereof on your usual gin, graciously experience a few sips, and head home.

I was sorely mistaken.

The moment I walked into the event I snapped some photos, grabbed a seat at the bar, and half-jokingly tweeted:

Just arrived to Tavern Law for #Beefeater24 tasting event. Lets see if Beefeater gets me to finally appreciate gin. :)

That night Tavern Law offered 4 drinks, each boasting Beefeater24 and infused ingredients to enhance the accents of rare Japanese Sencha and Chinese Green Tea used in distilling the gin.



Following typical procedure, I informed the bartender that I like fruity drinks (yes, I am that girl) and requested a recommendation. He suggested I first try the Almond Ice Tea, created by Beefeater Global Brand Ambassador Dan Warner:

2 Parts Beefeater 24
2/3 Part Orgeat syrup
1/3 Part Sugar syrup
1/3 Part Fresh lemon juice
Build over cubed ice in a highball or Collins glass. Stir and garnish with a lemon wheel

Shortly after I was served the below and from the first sip, I knew I was a gin convert. Though it may seem overly zealous, I had never experienced gin in this way; the flavor was light, floral, and subtly and satisfyingly sweet.



Recognizing that I couldn’t change my years-in-the-making opinion based on just one drink, I spent the rest of the evening sipping on the other 3 concoctions, including the English Breakfast, Lapsang Martinez, and Ashes of Time.



ENGLISH BREAKFAST
Created by Dan Warner, Beefeater Global Brand Ambassador
2 Parts Beefeater 24 infused with English Breakfast tea
2/3 Part Lemon juice
1/3 Part Sugar syrup
1 egg white
1 heaped barspoon Marmalade

Shake and strain into a chilled glass or tea cup. Garnish with finely zested orange peel.



LAPSANG MARTINEZ
Created by Dan Warner, Beefeater Global Brand Ambassador
1 & ½ Parts Beefeater 24
½ Part Lillet Rouge
1/3 Part Lapsang Souchong syrup

Stir and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.



Ashes of Time
Created by Nathan Webber, Head Bartender at Tavern Law
1 1/2 oz Beefeater 24
1/2 oz Lemon juice
1/2 oz Dolin Bianco
1/2 oz Roasted Rice Tarragon Syrup
3 drops Rose Ash Tincture

Shake, double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with the tincture.

As delightful as the first, each concoction was deliciously and flawlessly mixed – with the exception of the Lapsang Martinez, which didn’t suit my taste buds quite like the others. Unlike the floral and crisp flavors of the others, the Lapsang Martinez was like a liquid BBQ in your mouth, followed by a smoky aftertaste. Though I could identify it was skillfully crafted, I dubbed it the ultimate man’s cocktail.

Later in the week I hit up a separate bar and brought the Almond Ice Tea recipe in hand to replicate. I must admit, the second time wasn’t as delectable as the first, but it did confirm that gin is no longer the classy old man drink and instead my personal liquor of choice!

Last, but certainly not least, I had the honor of meeting and chatting with Desmond Payne, the distiller and mastermind behind Beefeater 24. Below is a pic of the two of us... which only took 4 tries to perfect! ;)