Gin Master Class at The Gin Library - Azores - Sao Miguel
On my second day in the Azores, I booked a Gin Master Class with my friend at Europe's largest gin library. The owner Ali gives participants a class on the four Generations of Gin, giving us a taste of Gen 2, 3, and 4 as gin and tonics as he gives a very lively discussion of the evolution of the spirit while we sample the different varieties. Generation 1 is "bath tub gin" and that will kill you. ha.
You can see an alternate photo I took of him while in the class (funny, he didn't ask permission, but I don't mind--I sent him some of my shots as a thank you note for the fun afternoon). In this shot, he is pouring his own gin he made called "Baleia" for "whale" and it is a Generation 4 gin infused with seaweed and island mint--it's called Baleia because he is also making it to give portions of sales to his foundation what protects whales in the region.
Unlike here in the states where we serve gin and tonics in tall glasses, the gin and tonic of the Azores uses a wide bowled glass. The perfect G&T also uses dehydrated citrus--not fresh (lime, orange, lemon, etc.) with an herb such as rosemary or thyme in the glass. Also, the best way to cool it is with one singular large square of ice. When I returned home with one bottle of Baleia as a gift to my brother for his birthday, I bought the glasses, used my silicon square ice mold, and I hosted a birthday party for my brother on our back patio as I tried to recall all the history notes from Ali. It was fun to bring a bit of the Azores to this night as I talked into the night about how lovely Sao Miguel island was! https://gin-library.com/gin/the-perfect-gin-tonic/
How fascinating! I had a gin tasting for friends last night, picked up a few things during my trip to Europe this summer. No where near as impressive as this. What a wonderful set up. How are you enjoying São Miguel Island?
Fascinating story. I used to drink gin and tonic as a young 'un. I never knew there were so many gins until my son took me to the Gin Joint in Tampa. Later, I visited a friend, and her husband gave me an education in different alcohols.
@mariaostrowski I am back from my trip (took it last month). Ponta Delgada was a lovely home base for 5 days. We had a rental car so we explored Sao Miguel island west day one, central day 2, North day 3, Northeast day 4, then Ponta Delgada Day 5. The last two days we based ourselves in Furnas at the wonderful Terra Nostra hotel (we stayed put and walked/explored that area without the use of the car).
@danette It is about the only spirit I will drink as I am usually a wine/beer drinker, but it was so fun to learn more about Gin. My brother is a big fan of the G & T, so this was the perfect gift.
Fascinating information. I am not a fan of gin myself but it sounds like a very interesting process. Fabulous portrait of this man and how generous of you to bring some home for your brother.
ok - I use a largish glass haha - if I find dehydrated I'll use it but atm it's fresh :) I do use large ice cubes hahahaha - i mix with both tonic or craft lemonade
@grammyn It WAS generous lugging that big bottle all the way home in my luggage, but my brother loved it, and I was happy to have a memory of the Azores. You can't buy it anywhere but on the island!
@jgpittenger he was VERY animated, joking, and really full of information. You can tell he is quite passionate about the library and his own brand of gin.
@annied I can't even look at a tall thin glass anymore! I was so glad I requested square ice cube forms as a gift one year, so I at least had that when I returned home. I ended up dehydrating some limes in my air fryer at home and it worked! Add thyme or rosemary and it gives such a nice additional flavor!
How is your brother doing by the way?