Its Gin O’clock!

As a distilled spirit infused with a bounty of various botanicals, Gin has over the course of a millennium, evolved like no other. From being a remedy for Black Death, to instigator of Eighteenth Century social problems, to hero of the 1920’s Cocktail Age, Gin today has never been so ‘in’.

Represented by products of various origins, styles, and flavor profiles that all revolve around juniper as common ingredient, the range of Gin available is both breathtaking and a story worthy to be told. 

One of the best ways to sip and savour the many botanical beauties around is by joining Martinborough Wine Merchants’ quickly growing Gin Club. Aptly named Gin O’clock, Gin Club takes members on a tasting journey over five completely different gins, blind (no, not in that way). And because there’s more to a G & T than a slice of lemon, Gin O’clock also presents an equally impressive array of tonic waters to match the range du jour. “You have to view tonic water as a condiment to your Gin” say Martinborough Wine Merchants. “Everyone has their own preference, whether it be a classic tonic with their London Dry, Yuzu with a saffron gin, or a splash of lime keffir with a Quince gin”. 

The last Gin ’Clock was held at Messita Wine Bar on Ohio street. In a packed and intimate space, Elliot McClymont, distiller of Blush Rhubarb gin and James Waugh of Wellington’s Bootleggers tonics demonstrated the art of a good G & T. Previous presenters have included Ben Bonoma from Dancing Sands of Nelson and our own local heroes like Chris Reid of Reid & Reid Botanical Gin.

Martinborough Wine Merchants’ next Gin O’clock will be appropriately held at Union Square’s Gin Bar at the Martinborough Hotel Tuesday June 19^th. Guest distiller will be Rachel Hall from Lighthouse along with the Six Barrel Soda Company. Get in touch with the Gin Queens at Martinborough Wine Merchants to book your spot for this educational, entertaining and informative event with many new friends to be made.  After all, no exceptional story ever started with a salad.