Thursday, February 14, 2013

Gin!

When we were making the tarragon cocktails I couldn't find the specific gin they recommend in the recipe so I used Hendrick's instead. It's my go to gin and it works well in almost all cocktails, so it's a safe bet.

But then we happened to be in Bar Keeper and while they didn't have the Watershed gin we were smitten with the tiny bottles of St. George. It's a California distillery and they have three varieties so we got small bottles of the two top contenders to test out. I would have gotten the third one as well but I was trying to be good. That reminds me - I need to tell you guys about our budget this year. Later.

We went home and had a gin off. Naturally.

gin off
{gin off}

The terroir is extremely pine-y (Like Pinesol! But so good! the owner of Bar Keeper exclaimed when we asked), which sounds off-putting but it's astringent in the best way possible and perfect for sipping neat. The botanivore is like an amped up Hendrick's but it veered just a little sweet for me, especially when tasted side by side with the terroir.

st george gin
{st. george gin}

The terroir won a place on our bar tray. We'll go back for a full sized bottle soon.

Almost completely unrelated but I can't resist sharing ...

bar keeper
{bar keeper}

how much do you love the coasters from Bar Keeper? If you're in the area, go. They have vintage barware mixed in with science equipment and standard glassware and an amazing selection of alcohol and bitters.

P.S. - It's Valentine's Day and I didn't make any cute cookies or cards this year. Bummer. On the other hand, gin is appropriate, right?

19 comments:

  1. can you pretty please share where you got the glasses in the gin off photo? LOVE them.

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    1. Sure! I'm in love with them! The ones we use for cocktails are these bodega tumbler glasses in the mini size. We also have them in the medium size (which we use for wine or juice or beer) and the large size (water).

      They're a really basic glass but I love that the base diameter is the same on all the sizes, which gives them more interesting proportions. We saw them when we went to Beerworks in Mill Valley last year, obsessed over them and then emailed the bar to ask if they sold the glasses. They don't, but they kindly gave us the brand name and I tracked them down (easy, as it turns out, because they do a lot of glassware).

      Sorry for the novel - I'm just still really excited about having found them! We'd been living with a random assortment of Ikea glasses for several years and didn't register for any glasses because we hadn't found any we were into.

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  2. as long as you EAT a cute cookie, it totally counts. :D
    Kasey

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  3. A) You buy liquor with the BEST LABELS.

    B) I want to come over for drinks.

    xxo

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    1. And you didn't even get to see the close up of the bear! I die. I'm a sucker for a good label.

      You are welcome anytime you happen to be in the state, lady.

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  4. i love bar keeper, too - we always stop in when we visit my sis and brother-in-law. said brother-in-law once pawed through their massive jar of swizzle sticks and picked out all the best ones for us for an xmas present; conceptual artists are the best gift givers, man. he's in town and staying with us right now, actually, so we're doing an extended-fam valentine's day tonight and trooping off to see a horror movie. valentine's day massacres for the win!

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    1. Yes, they are amazing! I love your Valentine's celebration this year.

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  5. Good idea, liked them so much! :)

    http://lunaparkqueen.blogspot.com

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  6. I bought this for my husband for his bday but we have't made it yet. Your post just reminded me of it. Seems like something you might like.
    https://homemadegin.com/index.php

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  7. Welcome back! It's so good to see you posting again! Thank you for the recommendation for the gin :)

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  8. Love the idea of a gin off! I'll have to recruit a couple of other people to take part, because my sister doesn't drink gin after a bad night in college.
    http://nugicalmusings.blogspot.com

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  9. A. The gin bottles are super cute.
    B. Gin for Valentine's is more then appropriate.
    C. Thanks for sharing.

    xoxo
    Mags
    http://magsmind22.blogspot.com/

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  10. Barkeeper is the best! The vintage glassware always gets me. And I usually walk out with a new bitters to try.

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  11. My mouth dropped when I read Watershed gin! I live in Columbus, OH and I am looking at a bottle of it (next to their bourbon) on our bar cart right now. It's light with layers of citrus and my new go to for gin and tonics. Not sure how far out West they distribute, but if you ever happen to be in Ohio, pick some up! And don't forget a bottle of the Bourbon Barrel Gin, too!

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    1. Lucky you! I think if Bar Keeper doesn't carry it, then it's safe to say it isn't distributed here. They have the most obscure collection. I'll have to smuggle some home if I ever make it out to Ohio!

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  12. St. George's distillery is a 15 minute drive from my house. We take all of our out-of-town guests there for a tasting and tour. If you make it to the Bay Area, you should put it on your must-see list of to-dos.

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  13. Definitely make a trip to Hangar One/St. George Spirits in Alameda if you get the chance! It's a great ferry from SF/short walk/fun tour to do in the hangar.

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