"Hendrick's Gin"

Hendrick's would really, really like you to know that they are Iconoclasts. Their gin is "iconoclastically produced." And, by the way, they are 100% iconoclasts (a visit to the Hendrick's Web site makes the irony painfully clear)

Aside from it's ubiquitous iconoclasm, Hendrick's is an interesting gin.
But first, a question: What is gin?

A: The most common gin is "London Dry." Now, gin of this type isn't all from the UK. The moniker refers to style - a high octane (~80 proof), distilled spirit, which is re-distilled after botanicals are added. These botanicals can include any number of citrus peels, roots, spices, or even bark. And of course, no London Dry is complete without the addition of juniper berries. So, unlike (unflavored) vodka, gin possesses a bevvy of diverse aromas.

Hendrick's is distilled using a 19th century contraption called a Carter-head still. According to the iconoclasts at Hendrick's, this still encourages a more leisurely distillation process, and thus a smooth, delicately flavored gin. As for the botanicals, this gin is infused with cucumber and rose petals (in addition to more traditional gin botanicals) Let's have a sniff & sip..

HendricksThe Skinny
Hendrick's Gin ($25-$30 for 750ml), 88 proof
* Distilled and bottled in Scotland
* In addition to the piney-juniper scents common to many gins, this gin offers lemon zest and something I can only describe as lime-banana-cucumber (!!)
* At 44% alcohol this isn't exactly the easiest thing to taste neat. An itty-bitty sip and swish leaves behind sensations of citrus, floral scents, and sweet spices

Some interesting gin-based cocktails to try responsibly:
 

Hendrick's Tonic
2 oz. Gin, Tonic Water
Pour Hendrick's Gin into highball glass over ice cubes
and fill with tonic water. Stir. Garnish with Cucumber

Gin Berry
1/2 shot Gin,1/2 shot freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 shots Cranberry juice, 1/2 shot Chambord
Shake ingredients with ice and strain into glass

KGB 1
2 shots Gin, 1/2 shot Freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 shot apricot brandy, 3/4 shot Kummel
Shake with ice and strain into glass