I’ve always liked pink. Give me a choice of rosy hues or stark shades, and I’ll gravitate towards the pretty colours. But at 47%, masterly distilled and expertly crafted, Edgerton Pink Gin is no soft spirit, and certainly not a product that should be tarnished with the same (usually misguided) perceptions as rose wine often is.
Described as having both citrus and spicy notes, with a chocolatey aftertaste, the gin lends itself to something special. Sweet, classic and sophisticated, it’s a refreshing drink for the summer that makes you smile just looking at it, as well as drinking it.
First launched in 2011 and distilled in London, Edgerton Pink Gin gets its hue from the pomegranate seeds, that are combined with a further fourteen unique botanicals. It always amazes me just what goes into a spirit of quality, and alongside juniper berries, here we find damiana, used in some places as an aphrodisiac, spicy coriander and ‘grains of paradise, alongside citrus peel, lemon and the raspberry tasting orris root. As well as tasting great, you could even argue that sipping it is good for you. Liquorice has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, almond powder is a great source of vitamin B, E and calcium sweet orange plays a role in reducing blood pressure as a result of its high potassium levels, and cassia bark considered a fundamental herb in Chinese medicine.
Colour plays a huge role in our perception of taste, which is something that Martin Edgerton Gill, formerly owner of the London Gin Company, knows. In 2010 he sold the world’s first blue gin London No 1 Blue to Gonzalez Byass of Spain, and it’s been a huge success. His passion for pink gin was inspired by his father’s years in the Royal Navy during World War II, and his discovery of the spirit. A traditional nautical tipple, consisting of gin and Angostura bitters, was launched in 1824 initially as a cure for seasickness.
Its popularity grew, and it became a favourite in fashionable civilian bars. Martin is credited with pioneering the use of herbal teas with spirits, and combined his knowledge and experience to create the enticing Edgerton Pink Gin. Expertise not only comes in the creation of a spirit, but knowing how to mix it. The company have created a collection of spring cocktails, using some of the seasonal flavours to add a new twist on the classics Mojito, Martini and Gin & Tonic.
My favourite was certainly the Gin Fig Martini. Crafting this one involves a little more work, but no less taste. Including brewed tea, a homemade fig syrup, and plenty of ice (shaken, not stirred), it’s an endeavour that’s well worth the effort.
Gin & Tonic is my go to summer afternoon beverage, but I’ve learned that it works equally as well as an aperitif before a Sunday meal when you try this take. Simply by combining gin and tonic, with three sliced strawberries, ice, and a twist of black pepper the well-known drink is given a whole new angle.
And for something more fun, why not a martini? Combining blueberries with the mint, lime and sugar for a Blueberry Mojito Royale, finished off with a cinnamon stick, this variation is sweet, sharp and spicy, all in one go.
At £25 a bottle, this isn’t the kind of thing that you just pick up on a Friday night to let of steam in a stupor. It’s worth taking the effort with. Taking the time to savour it, enjoying the taste, delighting in the aroma – and of course smiling at the colour.