2018 is the year of spirits innovation for Marian Beke & The Gibson Bar London. Creating brand new spirits based on radically different concepts, Marian launched his first initiative at his bar The Gibson on 12 February. He partners with Copperhead, the ultra-premium gin from Belgium, to create a whole new style of savoury gin. With a hint of spice and umami intensity, it complements the classic Gibson martini and its garnish of pickled onion. The gleaming, dark green bottle is inspired by the original green tiling of the heritage-listed Edwardian façade of The Gibson bar. At 40 percent abv, it is available to the trade via distributor 10 Degrees C.
The new gin uses five original Copperhead botanicals of juniper, coriander seed, cardamom, angelica, and orange peel, and adds 14 pickling spices. These include mace, pepper, cassia, bay leaf, ginger, allspice, fennel and dill seeds. It is finished with a flourish of eight year old genever.
The worldwide launch (12 February) was naturally hosted at The Gibson bar London. For two consecutive years since its launch, The Gibson bar has featured in The World’s 50 Best Bars, attracting fans of classic martinis and experimental serves.
Bartenders and buyers are welcome to visit The Gibson for a taste of the new gin: 44 Old Street, London EC1V 9AQ.
New cocktails using Copperhead Gin The Gibson Edition will feature on the new menu and as specials. It will also be launched in other markets worldwide, and production will be on-going.
Tasting notes – Copperhead Gin The Gibson Edition has a pronounced savoury flavour, with a hint of peppery notes. It has a bigger complexity and longer finish in taste due the 19 botanicals used. The addition of 8 year old single cask Genever replaces sweetener in this gin and helps blend all spices together. It comes with the gin know-how and heritage from one of the oldest distilleries in Belgium.
Marian Beke adds, “Think of it as a distinctive savoury style of gin due the pickling spices used. The genever is uniquely complex and adds sweet notes to the gin. So we recommend it for any savoury style of drink. First, taste the different sensation that comes from using pickling ingredients in a drink, and let that inspire you. The Gibson martini is our main signature drink. But also try it in drinks using a savoury chutney or a relish, instead of jams and marmalades you might use in sweeter drinks. Also try a simple serve, such as in a gin and tonic, but for garnish, use a spear of pickles instead of typical lime or lemon.”
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