Gin tasting kits: Do try this at home
Online drink shops have experienced a big shift in demand for tasting sets over the past few months. Whether it’s for a Zoom call, gift for a friend, or your own Big Night In, there’s plenty to choose from. Here’s our top three for punters who like their gin
to be recognised, pink or a surprise.
World Gin Awards Winners 2020 Tasting Set
If award-winning gins are your thing, or the type of treat that a loved one loves, you’re in luck. This tasting set features five different 30ml gin brands that scooped gongs earlier this year. The set includes: Bathtub Gin (best compound gin); Sky Wave Gin (best contemporary gin); Marylebone Orange & Geranium (best flavoured gin); Lubuski Aged Gin (best matured gin); and Hayman’s Spiced Sloe Gin (best sloe gin).
£22 at www.masterofmalt.com
Three Shades of Pink Gins Tasting Gift Set
The team at Taste Cocktails specialises in DIY drinks kits to mix at home. Each box contains ingredients to make up to six cocktails or G&Ts, recipe cards and tasting notes. The pink set contains three different 50ml fruity gins for gin-lovers with a sweet tooth. It includes: JJ Whitley Plum Gin; Tarquin’s Blackberry Gin; and Aber Falls Rhubarb & Ginger Gin.
£18 at www.notonthehighstreet.com
Mystery Gins Tasting Kit
Or surprise yourself with three mystery gins and matching mixers! This set contains three different 200ml bottles, perfectly paired with three premium mixers. Each bottle is numbered 1 to 3 so you can taste the liquid blind and judge it on its own merits. Use your nose and palate to identify the botanicals, then open the secret envelope with detailed tasting notes to see if you were right! There are four kits to choose from: G&T Traditional; G&T Flavoured; G No T! (for tonic haters); and a liqueur kit.
£40 at www.ginclubscotland.com
- Chrissie Fairclough is tastings director for Gin Club Scotland, which runs touring and distillery-based tastings, as well as offering tasting kits for people to run their own events. www.ginclubscotland.com
