Six of the Best
Grumpy old Gammons are inclined to believe that standards of behaviour in British society began to decline when our schools abolished corporal punishment back in the seventies, and that we should take inspiration from the more disciplined and hardworking role models who typified the Victorian era.
Well, as a civil engineer I have always esteemed the great Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-1859) who built many of our rail lines, so I was therefore immediately drawn to the bottle of Six O’clock Brunel when we paid a visit to Tavistock’s Gin Boutique last week from whence Ginny’s Gin also came.
Despite having once been championed by Jeremy Clarkson as our ‘Greatest Ever Briton,’ the Bristol based distillery elected to set the ABV for this premium brand at ‘Export Strength’ or 50% – 7% short of the Navy Strength, wardroom tipples like Devon’s Beast or the Black Rock we picked up in Falmouth last year. Nevertheless, you will not be disappointed with the bite or the flavour when either sipping neat or mixed with a good tonic; though I would steer clear of fruity fizzes that might distract from the experience. Particularly as the makers have enhanced their stock 6 O’clock tipple – which already features in our Top Ten – with an extra half dozen new botanicals.
Justifying the distiller’s description of Brunel as being ‘exquisitely engineered,’ the heavyweight newcomer not only boasts extra juniper, but also green cardamom, nutmeg, cumin, cassia bark, lemon and cubeb peppers to create a richer, earthier flavour with a spicy finish. Interestingly, while we have often described gins as likely to suit a younger palate, Brunel is the first one I am aware of that has been crafted primarily for men – though not necessarily Gammons.
According to the website: “The flavour profile of this gin often appeals to those who usually prefer earthier drinks, such as whisky, and to the male palate: it has converted many a gin sceptic.” I can report, however, that Gin Lover One is just as enthusiastic about the Brunel as I am and we therefore feel that time is up for the other 6 O’clock amongst our top recommendations.
“IT’S ALWAYS 6 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE!”
Our overall verdict on this premium gin then? Top notch or “Wacko” as the late Jimmy Edwards used to say in his yesteryear comedic role as a headmaster, disposed to dishing out Six of the Best.
This tipple can be purchased widely for around £40.
