Readers of Gin Magazine may have seen my recent article appraising a range of different Gin & Tonic glasses, looking at what worked and what could be done better. It was rather serendipitous, therefore, when the results of Hayman’s latest project arrived last week! Today, I’m taking a look at the Hayman’s Gin & Tonic Glass.
A long tall glass, similar to a hi-ball or Collins glass, it has a slight concave in the middle, which makes it easier to hold, and has a solid bottom and a thin lip. The glass is inspired by a 19th Century design found in the family archives.
In my experience, everyone has their favourite type of glass: copa, tumbler, hi-ball; people tend to love one or two and hate others. Personally, I’m quite a fan of all of those previously mentioned, but the Hayman’s glass is the best version of a hi-ball glass that I’ve come across and is simply a delight to drink from.
Not only does it allow the flavour and aromas of the drink to burst forth, it also has a luxurious, “special occasion” feel to it, aided by the elegant decoration, including a subtle “H” so that you know that it’s Hayman’s.
I’ve given this glass to various guests over the past week or so and it’s been a hit with all of them, which reflected my own experience: when I first opened the box, I pretty much didn’t drink out of anything else (except for tea) for 24 hours.
Hayman’s Gin and Tonic Glasses are available for a very reasonable £6 a glass (+p&p) from the Hayman’s Website.
But wait there’s more….
Hayman’s Hopped Gin
A new limited edition gin from Hayman’s, this is a Bartender Release made in collaboration with Jordan Sweeney of the Wigmore Tavern at the Langham Hotel in London. Jordan won the “Hayman’s True Taste Competition 2018” and the prize was a five-day distilling apprenticeship with Master Distiller Christopher Hayman and Distiller Sam Pembridge.
During this time, Jordan created this gin at Hayman’s. It is made using a base botanical mix of the ten classic Hayman’s botanicals, to which he added Golding and Fuggle Hops and Grapefruit Peel. Hops used to be a very popular ingredient in gin and were often used in the fabled Hollands Gin of old.
On its own
Nose: Citrus and chocolate with light hopped notes. Elegant and fragrant.
Taste: An excellent texture: so thick and viscous with a hint of oiliness. Once again, there are notes of chocolate and citrus – in particular grapefruit – then the flavour of fresh, green hops develop, followed by black pepper and resinous juniper.
Gin & Tonic
Soft and citrusy with the occasional whisper of hops that adds a green, leafy complexity and a light bitterness to the drink, all of which pairs well with the tonic. A wedge of ruby grapefruit is an obvious garnish choice here.
Martini
A particularly elegant way to enjoy the gin; it’s almost as if it’s a Martini served in a glass that has had a beer schnapps rinse. It has great body and harks back to the early days of the Martini.
Negroni
A punchy Negroni that’s full of character. The hops really power through the other ingredients, adding intensity and depth to the cocktail’s bitterness. Nonetheless, there is a lovely synergy and balance between the ingredients. Definitely a Negroni for the hard core fans.
Salty Dog
A great, but simple combination. The ruby grapefruit really brings out the floral hoppy notes in the gin, creating a refreshing drink with a gentle kick. Just superb.
Hayman’s Hopped Gin is available from the Hayman’s Website priced at around £39 for a 70cl bottle.
Summer Fruit Cup 