Aaron Knoll 
You might be forgiven for wondering what on earth a bitters review is doing here on TheGinIsIn. Those of you who don’t know me in the real world, will be forgiven for not knowing that I have a big soft spot for bitters. Over 20 varietals fill the gaps on my bar shelf between every … Read more
Best consumed: With an unaged juniper forward gin Incredibly well balanced, with plenty of citrus, spice, and bitterness to make the perfect gin and tonic. One of our favorites, and an excellent pairing for nearly all gins, but especially classic styles with a heavy juniper head. We’ve reviewed Bradley’s Kina Tonic ([icon name=”star” class=””][icon name=”star” class=””][icon … Read more
As Tonic Syrups become more and more part of everyday gin and tonic culture, we’re starting to see established brands expand their offerings. Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. who is among the earlier names in this area recently put out an Elderflower Tonic. Though amber/gold in hue (vivid, and quite beautiful by the way), it’s not simply elderflower; … Read more
El Guapo Bitters British Colonial Style Tonic Syrup fits squarely into the modern day trend of commercial tonic syrups. It’s also designed to be “highly concentrated” so that you only need a dash for each serving, Whereas many syrups minimum G&T serving is around 1 oz. [and therefore 8-9 servings per bottle], El Guapo suggests ¼ … Read more
Previously, we’ve reviewed Strong Tonic’s Extraordinary Tonic Syrup ([icon name=”star” class=””][icon name=”star” class=””][icon name=”star” class=””][icon name=”star-half” class=””]). From Oklahoma City, they’ve done quite well since their launch and their newest product is a floral spin on their initial offering. Hibiscus has begun appearing in a few contemporary style gins, but has nowhere reached the popularity of … Read more
If you’ve been living (and drinking perhaps) under a rock the past five years, let me catch you up. Elderflower. It’s big in cocktails. It’s big outside of the cocktail world, and it’s especially big within and in gin. Need I remind you of Knockeen Hills Elderflower Gin? If that’s not enough for you (or … Read more
Occasionally, it takes me a while to get around to getting a review up. I’ve had this wonderful bottle of tonic syrup chronicled in my notes for some time. I unexpectedly received another bottle very recently which prompted me to look in my notes and realize [to my chagrin] that I have not written about … Read more
Here, two emergent trends in tonic collide: first, the trend towards tonic syrups: concentrated, sweet, herbal concoctions designed to be diluted with soda water before drinking. The second trend is that of “companion” tonics: that is tonics made by distillers, crafted in such a way that it perfectly compliments the spirit. Pinckney Bend has designed … Read more
Well folks it’s about time. What you say? You’ve heard of this one before? Unless you’ve been living under a gin and tonic rock, you know about Fever Tree’s quite excellent line of tonic waters, in particular their Mediterranean. Supposedly, it’s designed to be the cleaner and more refreshing alternative, one that is design for … Read more
I loved Tonic Water. Almost as much as I love gin. Only almost. And for a man who loves tonic water, one of the saddest parties that I feel like I’m missing out on is the Tonic explosion of Europe, Spain in particular. A beverage which here in the states most are willing to accept … Read more