Gin Tasting with Hunter’s Cheshire Gin

Hanging around with Charlie aka the Gin Fuelled Blue Stocking means I’ve tried a few gins. I’ve learnt that I prefer a smoother less ‘juniper’ heavy gin but that I can pick out the different flavours on my palate and appreciate a good gin when I taste one.

With that in mind I’m keen to try as many as possible and was thrilled that Hunters invited me to a tasting hosted by Mullen Bartending at Cord Bar.

Made using a 300 year old recipe from the start of gin’s history this lovely gin is made in my home county of Cheshire. The small company is keen to use local produce and enjoy their gin served up with apples grown in Cheshire. We were able to sample this with a dash of elderflower cordial and, I have to say, it was beautiful. The gin is made with some apple peel to add a citrus kick which means it works really well with the juice.

Hunters Cheshire gin was launched in 2012; a great year to start a new British company with some hugely patriotic events such as the London Olympics and the Queens diamond jubilee. Not surprisingly they have been successful pretty quickly and the product speaks for itself. They use the best flavours possible ranging from juniper grown in the Balkans to liquorice root powder hailing from the Mediterranean. This is a London dry style gin meaning it has a heavy juniper aroma on the nose with a fresh yet peppery taste. Not one I would sip but a great base to a classic gin cocktail.

The guys from Hunters recognise the different varieties of gin and gave us a sample of Hendricks to try so we could pick out the differences. Being an old tom style of gin this was smoother with a sweeter taste, it was easy to tell the difference and it was a great way to introduce us to their product.

Hunters gin is a premium product with an eye watering 43.3% abv. The company were keen to compete with other premium gins and their top quality ingredients mean they are able to do just that.

We ended the night with some classic gin and tonics served with a wedge of lime and a sprig of rosemary. A lovely refreshing way to enjoy a classic and something the bars of Manchester had better stock up on because it is the ONLY way I will be drinking G&T’s in the future… thanks Hunters!

This event was free for anyone who wished to attend.