If you like drinking gin, you may have already tasted numerous brands. With so many gin distilleries popping up worldwide and even in your country, knowing which brands to choose for your home bar may be challenging. You may stick with the old brands your father and father’s father have been drinking, but this option will leave you with a boring gin selection at home.
Fortunately, many distilleries have been opening their doors to the public by offering gin tasting and gin masterclass experiences right within their distilleries. This strategy of distilleries is effective in creating customers who will be loyal to their brand. When customers engage by touring, tasting, and making their gin cocktails, they tend to have a personal connection with the brands the gin distillery offers.
5 Reasons to Visit a Distillery Nearest You
If invited to a distillery, you must clear your schedule to attend one. Visiting a distillery for a tasting or a masterclass will benefit you.
Understand Gin Better
You may still be confused about vodka and gin. When you attend a masterclass, you learn that vodka is produced flavourless during its distillation. Distilleries have a history and can add flavours after distilling the neutral spirits. On the other hand, gin must have a distinct taste of juniper berries, whether these botanicals are infused during or after the distillation process.
Know Why Gins Differ in Taste
Gins coming from different distilleries often taste significantly different. The reason for this is that each gin distillery has the option to modify its recipes. While the standard for gin to be called gin is juniper berries, each distillery can add whatever botanicals, such as citrus, nuts, and spices they prefer. When you tour a distillery, you will understand the distillery’s decision to use such botanicals and their choice of the distillation process.
Building a Brand Community
Distilleries are a reflection of their geographic location and their communities. If you visit the distillery nearest you, you will learn its history and understand all the processes involved in creating its gin brands. Knowing the provenance of your gin will become a great conversation piece when you have guests at your home. Likewise, if the gin distillery is near you, you will belong to a community that will remain loyal to that brand, akin to sports fans rooting for their local baseball team.
Learn to Create Your Gin
Most masterclass tours allow guests to formulate their gin flavours. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as you can develop your gin with the botanicals you choose. Likewise, some distilleries will let you formulate and name a gin bottle.
Learn how to “Nose” and Drink Gin “Neat.” A gin distillery tour includes a class on properly “nose” your gin to appreciate all the aromas and flavours contained in the blend. Likewise, you will learn how to drink gin “neat.”
Chance to Purchase Rare and Special Blends
If you visit a distillery, they may allow you to purchase special edition bottles at a much lower price than if you would purchase them from a liquor store.
There are a lot of reasons why you must visit a distillery nearest you. So, go ahead and book a schedule.