Down the Hot Hatch
There have been many special versions of Volkswagen’s original launch in the 80s, from the GTI and R32 to today’s barely recognisable hybrid supercars, but I’m happy to report that Gin Lovers’ similarly titled spirit, which I gave a test drive at the distiller’s Lisbon headquarters, offers a stimulating but relatively smooth ride.
Actually, rather than the history of Hot Hatch-backs, Gin Lovers’ 41% ‘Golf Edition 19th Hole’ celebrates what Oscar Wilde allegedly termed a good walk spoiled, with the numeral referencing the total number of botanicals used, as well as the sport’s participants’ affectionate term for the clubhouse bar – and it does so in quite a classy fashion. And as described in our own Gin Lover One’s blog about the maker’s basic spirit, we sampled the more complex gin in the historic palace, containing the bar, restaurant and up market retail outlets.
As for the contents you’ll find in a 70 CL bottle, the handcrafted spirit blends the essential juniper with a generous helping of citrus fruits which flourish in Portugal’s sunny climate with Szechuan peppers and Ginseng plus other herbs and spices that all add to the fresh taste and subtle finish.
The drinks menu in the palace’s shabby chic bar offered a truly international field – each with its recommended serve – so we were understandably reluctant at having to depart the next day to join our Viking cruise ship, even though its staff furnished us with some equally enjoyable new gins to toast the beauty of the Douro valley.
To be continued ……….
€38,41 is the price for this tipple
