A. Smith Bowman Distillery, based in Fredericksburg, Va., invited me to sample its new line of spirits called Tinkerman’s Gin ($29.99 retail for 750ml), which will only be produced in limited quantities.
Vodka has been flavored to death, and I always wondered when gin would have its turn. Well, now’s the time. After several months and more than 30 different recipe combinations, Master Distiller Brian Prewitt came up with Citrus Supreme, Sweet Spice and Curiously Bright & Complex as the three “expressions” for Tinkerman’s Gin. Each is 92 proof.
“We have a big emphasis on experimentation,” Prewitt said in a statement. “Great spirits are made right here in Virginia. You don’t have to go to other parts of the world to find great spirits.”
For those who have turned their backs to gin, Tinkerman’s Gin may be the brand that changes your mind. For example, rather than the harsh pine needle taste you get with a lot of gins, the Curiously Bright & Complex has a mild floral aroma to it that makes it smooth enough that you can sip it neat.
I also enjoyed the Citrus Supreme. I describe it as a bit of orange and lemon zest adding to, but not dominating, the flavor. You can tell it’s a versatile spirit that can belong in most cocktail recipes (see below). Meanwhile, the Sweet Spice is definitely bold in taste–for instance, I could detect the nutmeg and coriander. This is what you drink on a cold day to warm up.
I received a small recipe book with some fun-sounding cocktails, though you’re unlikely to have all the ingredients (e.g. green tea syrup) at your home. I was able to make the raspberry thyme gimlet, which calls for two parts of the Citrus Supreme, one part fresh lime juice, one part simple syrup and five muddled raspberries. I really liked the drink–it’s perfect for summertime.
A microdistillery, A. Smith Bowman Distillery also is the home of the 2016 and 2017 World’s Best Bourbon for the Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and John J. Bowman Single Barrel, respectively.
You can find Tinkerman’s Gin at Hy-Vee on Whitney Way, Steve’s Liquor on Junction Road and Cork N Bottle, among other area liquor stores.
Photo courtesy of Tinkerman’s Gin
Tags: gin
