“I don’t really like gin”, is possibly a risky phrase to say to the host of the gin tasting with York Gin that we were about to attend. Well, I wanted to be upfront, and I was hoping that an expert might be able to help guide me into enjoying the well-loved tipple.
Never Been To A Gin Tasting Before
I am well aware that some readers will be keen gin drinkers, and you may be querying how much of a ‘challenge’ it is to try a drink. As Challenge Fifty-Two is all about doing things I’ve not done before, then undoubtedly some new experiences are easier than others.
Trying gin is of course fairly straightforward, but gin is not been something I have previously enjoyed, and I had never been to a tasting before. Would I finally find a way to enjoy the drink which seems perfect for a lazy summer afternoon?
As I’ve not enjoyed a straightforward gin and tonic before, I have never risked trying any of the different gins, so the idea of being able to sample some without being left with a lot of drink to finish, was very appealing.
Who Are York Gin?
I knew a bit about York Gin as they have been busy since their incarnation embedding themselves into the community, often appearing on social media and being cheerleaders for many other York businesses.
I’d admired the way they had integrated themselves into the local business community; you’ll often see bottles of York Gin proudly displayed at the bar of many independent hostelries in York, and as a key component in some unusual cocktails in the city.
York Gin launched in my home city in 2018 when a group of friends got together in the pub. They have cemented themselves as a local business with a national reach – and beyond! I’d spotted they offered gin tasting evenings at their beautiful old shop, so decided this would be an opportunity to try something I’d not done before, and hopefully be converted to the wonders of gin.
Thankfully our host for the evening, Tim, was well adapted to deal with my tastebud challenge, and delivered a fantastic tasting experience.
What To Expect At A Gin Tasting With York Gin
It’s a really lovely, relaxed and fun event. Of course there is the sampling of the spirit, and there are two full size drinks and five tasters included in the evening. But the gin tasting is so much more than that, and it is brilliant.
In between the different drinks, we discovered details about; the origins of York Gin; how they make their tipples; the intriguing history of the drink; and how they are a carbon neutral company.
After the tasting, we had our second full measure of a York Gin of our choice, and perused the items on sale in the shop. As part of the tasting experience, any purchases on the night received a 10% discount.
Gin-credible History
The history part of the evening was utterly fascinating and took us through the evolution of not just the drink, but the part it has played in British culture. There was so much I hadn’t known!
As a non gin drinker, I had no idea about the evolution of the iconic drink. I don’t know about you, but to me it felt as though there was a sudden boom in the number of varieties of gin in the mid 2000s in the UK.
I was used to seeing the familiar faces of Gordons and Bombay Sapphire on the shelves behind the bar, yet there seemed to be a moment in time when gin suddenly became available in incredibly pretty bottles and in an intriguing variety of flavours. There’s a reason for that, which they shared at the tasting.
Fabulous Flavours At The Gin Tasting With York Gin
Welcoming us in for the tasting, we were given a London Dry Gin and tonic. Except, I swapped my tonic for lemonade. Tim thought it might be the mixer that I wasn’t getting on with.
We sampled 5 different York Gins. Each had a recommended pairing, but it wasn’t compulsory to use the suggested mixer.
London Dry Gin
It’s perhaps not surprising that I describe the taste as ‘dry’, after all, it was York Gin’s London Dry Gin, but it was much nicer than a gin I’d had before, possibly because of the sweetness of the lemonade that went with it. This was a good start!
Roman Fruits
Easily identifiable by the red colour, this had a more refreshing and fruity flavour. Inspired by the roman ruling of York. This was paired with elderflower tonic. I quite like the elderflower taste, so decided to give it a go with the tonic. It was palatable, but there was something I couldn’t quite put my finger on that wasn’t working for me, and I think it was the tonic. I might try it next time with sparkling elderflower instead.
Old Tom
I loved the way this was made; infused with local ingredients in-keeping with York’s heritage and including the white Yorkshire rose. It was smooth, but the flavour was a bit too subtle for my amateur tasting.
Chocolate And Orange
An homage to the delicious sweet confectionary that originated in Terry’s chocolate factory in York. This was perhaps the most surprising gin of the night for me. Rather than pairing it with something light and crisp, a dash of espresso martini mix was added for a very delicious take on the famous cocktail. It worked incredibly well!
Rhubarb
Although York isn’t in the Rhubarb Triangle, it sits on the outskirts of the three sided area. Wakefield, Morley and Rothwell are the key points that grow forced rhubarb, hence the name, and this gin is inspired by the neighbouring flavour. It was paired with ginger. Now I know that I don’t like ginger, so I opted for lemonade instead to give me the best possible chance of enjoying the flavour!
Outlaw
The strongest of the York Gins. This spirit was navy strength meaning back in the day when shipping was a main form of exploration, ships needed to carry less of it to have the same effect! Named Outlaw in homage to two of York’s dastardly criminals, Dick Turpin and Guy Fawkes. This was too strong for me!
Absolutely Love All That York Gin Stands For.
I left the evening feeling really proud of York Gin. Their aim is to make the best gins possible whilst being kind to the planet, and it’s clear that they are always thinking of ways to reduce and re-use.
History in the tasting is their motto, and I love how they capture the essence of York’s 2000 year past into their products.
From early beginnings in a pub, the community spirit (pun intended) is very much appreciated, from acknowledging the city with the names and keeping it all as local as possible.
And on top of all of this, they really do make incredibly good gin!
Has Gin Tasting With York Gin Converted Me To Be A Gin Drinker?
Whilst I’m not a convert to the dry gin options, the flavoured gins were something I will be looking forward to enjoying on a leisurely afternoon in the garden.
I learnt so much from the night, and there is so much that I want to share, but I wouldn’t do as good a job as York Gin who’s passion for the beverage is infectious! You’ll just have to go along yourself and enjoy a fantastic experience, and history in the tasting.
Want To Try It Yourself?
- York Gin offer gin tastings on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Take a look at the York Gin website for tasting details, availability and bookings.
- Lots of distilleries now offer tours and tastings so why not have a look to see what is available near you.
Cost Of Experience
- Tickets for the York Gin Tasting were £30 per person.
- Other gin tastings may vary in price.
Recommendations
- Don’t be put off if you’re not a gin drinker! Your hosts are passionate about the drink, and want to try and help you to enjoy it too!
- This is a brilliant thing to add to a trip to York if you are visiting the city.
- It’s ok to ask for a different mixer, and there is nothing wrong with drinking gin with lemonade!
- The tasting with York Gin would make a great gift idea.
- Don’t forget to get some pictures if you do give it a go!