It’s been about a year since A. Smith Bowman Distillery, based in Fredericksburg, Va., launched its new line of spirits called Tinkerman’s Gin ($29.99 retail for 750ml), and I accepted an invitation to enjoy it this summer.
When you’re out on your deck or next to a pool, you may be tempted to have a vodka-based cocktail, beer or hard seltzer. However, I’m convinced now that gin should be part of your beverage lineup.
A Refresher on Tinkerman’s
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.
“The reason we did so many (combinations) is that we wanted to have an opportunity to try different flavor profiles and methods, finding which combinations gave us the desired results,” Prewitt told me in an interview. “These expressions stood out for a few reasons: 1) They were delicious. 2) They were interesting and fun. 3) They were unique and pushed the realms of typical gin flavors.”
Gin’s Rising Popularity
A report from International Wine and Spirits Research showed that gin’s popularity has grown by 8.3%. I asked Prewitt for his opinion on this phenomenon.
“I feel that people like the versatility of gin and are opening up to the idea that gin does not have to be singular in taste and aroma,” Prewitt said. “It is a very fun and versatile spirit that works well with a great number of cocktails, and it lends itself to creativity.”
Tinkerman’s Expressions
As I mentioned in a previous review, Tinkerman’s Gin may be the brand that changes your mind about gin. 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. 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.
“(Since the launch of the gins), the feedback has been great and overwhelmingly positive,” Prewitt said. “A lot of people who say that they are not gin drinkers try them and end up enjoying them, oftentimes buying their favorite expression.”
Gin in Action
In July, I went on vacation in Door County. While sitting on my balcony overlooking the pool and Lake Michigan, I made a Tom Collins instead of a vodka press. The nice thing was that I didn’t need to add lemon juice, since I was using the Citrus Supreme.
Meanwhile, in my backyard, I enjoyed a martini with the Curiously Bright & Complex and a small amount of dry vermouth.
If you’re entertaining guests and only had time to prepare one cocktail, Prewitt recommends a gin and tonic. He’s also a fan of a Floradora (gin, lime juice, crème de framboise and ginger ale) and the Varuna (gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, coconut rum or vodka, egg white and nutmeg).
Where to Buy
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.
Tags: gin
