Ableforth’s Bathtub Gin Tastes Every Bit as Good as is Looks

At Luxurious we’re big fans of gin so when the gorgeous looking Bathtub Gin bottle arrived it was opened eagerly. It was sampled neat and then with several mixers. Before I describe the Gin, I will tell you a bit about the history of the name.

Bathtub gin refers to any style of homemade spirit made in amateur conditions. The term first appeared in 1920 during prohibition in the USA relating to the poor-quality alcohol made in peoples’ bathtubs.

Gin was the predominant drink in the 1920s, and many variations were created by mixing cheap grain alcohol with water, flavours and other agents, such as juniper berry juice and glycerin.

The standard metal bathtub in use at the time was ideal for mixing hence the name, ‘bathtub gin’. However, since distilling requires closed apparatus, the liquid mixture was then transferred to vats.

Due to the unpleasant taste of these homemade gins, people started to mix them with all sorts of additions; thus, the rise of cocktails began.

Although not made in a bathtub, the Ableforth Gin is manufactured using compound infusing rather than botanical distillation.

Never having been a gin drinker I was utterly amazed a few years ago at the sudden profusion of gins available at food events and supermarkets. All my friends were extolling the virtues of everything from expensive bottles of craft gin to the more reasonably priced supermarket own brands which seem to change in flavour along with the seasons.

From Lemon Sherbet and Palma Violet to colour changing or Seville Orange with Persian Lime never has there been such an array for us gin novices to experience.

Upon recommendation, I have tried Raspberry, which was pleasant the colour changing not impressive and very artificial tasting and a few others.

However, upon tasting Ableforth’s Bathtub Gin, I have realised that to appreciate Gin, the ones which are distilled using traditional techniques and delicious botanicals that are the purest in taste.

In these times of staying at home and with the weather unusually warm, I have been sitting in the garden (not the bathtub) and pairing this beautiful Gin with various tonics.

For a long drink, I have been mixing it with a refreshing cucumber and mint tonic, which makes me think of sunny days enjoying the tennis at Wimbledon. A pink grapefruit and peach, which is very subtle and does not overpower the botanicals. A blood orange and rosemary which reminds me of foreign travels and a sour Bramley Apple which seems to make the Gin explode with taste.

Bathtub Gin is to be appreciated, savoured and for someone such as myself, make you realise that there is nothing as lovely as a pure Gin which is also perfect with ice and tonic.

This review was conducted by Jeremy Webb.

Bathtub Gin – Where and how?

Bathtub Gin is available from masterofmalt.com and is currently available at £28.95.

For more information on Bathtub Gin, visit www.Ableforths.com.

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