I’m not going to lie, it’s a rare thing to find someone in your entourage that will honestly tell you that gin is their favorite alcohol; and from what I have seen before, gin is not the first pick for a good night of drinking. Yet, after sampling the remarkable collection of Hayman’s Gin that was offered at the Hayman Distillers Master Class and Gin Sampling presented by Lifford Wines and Ponte Wine and Spirits, I might have to alter my opinion.
Inside the beautiful dining room at Origin Liberty Village, I was pleased to meet James Hayman, Director of Hayman Distillers, the longest serving family of gin distillers in England. Their product line is sensationally tasty. Full of varying flavours and aromas, these gins stood out from any gin I’ve tasted in the past.
Even if some describe gin as “liquid pine needles”, don’t be fooled by its over-simplified rap – give it another try. Behind this scent-fueled alcohol, you will find a complex range of herbs and harmonized notes of juniper and berries with a unique character and property to each of Hayman’s gins.
The class began with a generous gin and tonic as a starter, accompanied by some great appetizers. The G&T was smooth and refreshing; and led me to think about the last time I had one… probably too long ago. As I was sniffing and inhaling the botanical whiffs of different gins, I started to wholly feel the essences and aromas of this unique liquor.
Here’s a rundown of the Hayman’s family of gins we sipped…
Hayman’s London Dry Gin
The classic London Dry Gin that was the first success of the family. Careful and consistent balance of juniper, coriander, orange and lemon peel.
Taste: A fresh, crisp and traditional style of London Dry Gin with lively citrus notes, beautifully balanced with an elegant and delicate finish.
Cocktails: Gin and Tonic, Negroni
Hayman’s Old Tom Gin
This one might be my favourite in the Hayman’s range. You will find in this gin some sweetness that comes from the small amount of sugar used in its production; I preferred it to some of the other gins with a more pure botanical base. It has a unique style and is based on the original family recipe from the 1880s.
Taste: A full-flavored style of gin with that’s intensely aromatic on the nose, and a rich and softly rounded palate.
Cocktails: Martinez, Gin Rickey
Hayman’s 1850 Reserve Gin
The traditional old-fashioned gin. Usually sold in barrels, this gin continues the long time tradition of storing the liquor and letting the wooden notes of barrels infuse in the smoothened drink.
Taste: Subtle, smooth and mellow notes from the wood with appealing hints of spice and pepper from the juniper and coriander. The result is aromatic, well balanced and full bodied.
Cocktails: Straight, Gin and Tonic, and Gin Palace Martini
Hayman’s Royal Dock Navy Strength Gin
In harmony with the London Dry Gin, this one will give you some additional punch while retaining its balance. This high alcohol (57%) gin had great appeal amongst the highest ranks of the navy. You’ll understand why after the first sniff.
Taste: Robust and bright profile with an enhanced aromatic nose.
Cocktails: Straight, or simply on the rocks
Hayman’s Gin Liqueur
The first ever gin liqueur with a strong taste of juniper berries, exotic spices and herbs. A very clean drink with a hint of sweetness while providing a refreshing and pleasing taste.
Taste: Smooth, clean and refreshing gin with obvious citrus notes, additional sweetness, and orange character.
Cocktails: Straight, or simply on the rocks
Hayman’s Sloe Gin
This last one gets its distinction from its ruby color and maceration process.
Taste: A rich red ruby liqueur with smooth and intense bittersweet fruit flavors.
Cocktails: Straight, Sloe Gin Fizz, Blackthorne
Only a few times in my life have I tasted truly good gin, and this event seemed to trump them all. Thanks to James Hayman, I feel like my perception of gin has changed. I’m sure I will have more consideration to future gin cocktails that cross my path. By the time I stepped out of Origin Liberty, I got a chance to meditate about my new appreciation of this unique liquor on what was, admittedly, a dizzy walk back home…