Cork Crimson Gin

"Where it all it started
"There is a long and distinguished history of gin distilling in Cork city dating back to the 1700s. Here the distillers had access to the finest ingredients; plump grain from the fields of East Cork and exotic botanicals arriving at Cork's busting international port. It was at the Watercourse Distillery that the recipe to Cork Crimson Gin was first documented in 1798 by apprentice distiller, William Caldwell.
"Caldwell's leather bound note book contained many recipes, yet one stood out as the 'Best Gin'. This recipe used only the rarest and most expensive ingredients.
"A recipe like none other
"Staying faithful to Caldwell's original recipe, we have recreated this distinctly aromatic and elegant gin. Ten different botanicals from around the world are used, including Juniper berries from Tuscany, Sweet Orangle peel from Morocco, Cassia from Indonesia along with locally harvested ingredients such as Garden Mint and Bay Leaf. Cork Crimson Gin is then hand-crafted by the Master Distiller in small batches.
"Juniper Berry - genievre [sic] in French,
ginevra in Italian,
jenever in Dutch -
the fruit from which Gin takes its name.
"Inspired by History
"Taking inspiration from the crimson coloured wax seal of the Watercourse Distillery, we have named this gin Cork Crimson Gin - a gin of unique heritage and refinement.
"The Classic Crimson Martini
"Cork Crimson Gin's elegant, crisp flavour makes it the ideal gin for the classic dry Martini.
"Take nine parts Cork Crimson Gin and one part Dry Vermouth. Chill your Martini glass with ice and discard the contents.Fill a talle glass with ice, add the Vermouth and swirl to season. Then add the Cork Crimson Gin and stir well to chil. Strain into the Martini glass; garnish with a twisted Lemon zest or decorate with an Olive for a slightly oilier finish."

This is a very fine gin indeed. Here is a recipe I made with it:

• a handfull of fresh coriander leafs
• a healthy piece of fresh ginger
• a small slice of jalapeño chili
• 2 cL lime juice
• 3 cL orange juice
• 4 cL Cork Crimson Gin (any gin would fit)

Mince coriander, ginger and jalapeño and put the mixture in a mising glass. Add lime juice, orange juice and gin. Fill with ice and shake. Double strain into a glass full of ice cubes. Garnish with two or three thin slices of jalapeño and a lime wedge. Enjoy with a couple of straws.

This drink is both spicy and refreshing. It is a perfect accompaniment for Mexican or Asian food.

41.2% ABV.