I'm not sure if its available nationally yet or not, but some Philly guys starting making/selling gin locally a few years ago. Bluecoat is the name and what made these guys think a Philly made gin could/would be respected and sell is beyond me. But, it was well reviewed locally.
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They all make a fine martini. :-)

Just picked up two more.

While Bombay Sapphire has been a go-to staple for a long time, I had never hear of Bombay Sapphire East. Found one bottle Total Wine yesterday. Needless to say I grabbed it. Very nice!

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The second bottle is one that intrigued me. I bought it yesterday as well but have not cracked it open yet.

High Spirits Desert Dry Gin (Distilled at 7000' in Flagstaff AZ)
"It has a distinctively delicious ultra smooth taste of white wheat and american rye. The flavor comes from selective botanicals that include some native of the southwest and sonora desert for the unique flavor."

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Peter, while I'm more of a beer guy than anything else, the Bombay Sapphire is my go-to gin when I order a Martini, but I'm intrigued by this Bombay Sapphire East. Would you mind posing your thoughts on how it differs from the "Regular" Bombay Sapphire?

PS: Trader Joes has a new gin under their umbrella, I just noticed it on the new products shelf about two weeks ago. Called "Jailhouse Gin" IIRC. 43%ABV. Allegedly made in the SF bay area somewhere.
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I am not one who can easily pick out and describe flavors. I will say that I find the BS East to be more aromatic and floral.

The description on the bottle says "Vapour Infused with additional Thai Lemongrass and Vietnamese Black Peppercorns"

84 proof. I paid $32.99 for a full liter.
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You had me at peppercorns.

Oh, wait...


Seriously, that's great actually, all the description I needed. I'm not worried about trying to pick out miniscule flavors that I'm probably not going to care about after I get halfway through the first drink, if I even notice them at all. The overall bouquet and how pronounced it is, that's all I'm interested in.

Thanks.
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It's quite nice.
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This I want to try. Been on a Hendricks kick lately but Bombay Sapphire has always been a regular for me. Peppercorns? :-)
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Sapphire East!?!....and I thought I knew everything! :-)....will be on the lookout for that...really interested in the "selective botanicals that include some native of the southwest and sonora desert for the unique flavor." of the High Spirits gin!
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Both are very good. Not disappointed with my purchase. But I think I like the Sapphire East better.
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Bet this would make a great dirty martini. Gotta find me some!
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Newest purchase. Have yet to try.

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http://www.farmersgin.com/home
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My favorite Gin:
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Same here. But I haven't tried half the ones Peter has posted.
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I love Hendricks as well.
But that is like saying I love Padron or Fuente cigars and not realizing there is a huge population of other wonderful brands out there.

My immersion into craft (small batch) gins has been absolutely wonderful.
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I'm glad I came across this thread today! I'm not a big gin drinker but have wanted to dive further into it. I have enjoyed GNT's for years when I'm out with the wife but never really cared or specified what brand of gin to use. From what I have read it seem like for those you can use pretty much anything. I really want to try more martinis. Are there acceptable and unacceptable gins to use for martinis? Also, could anyone be so kind as to steer me in the direction for a decent all-purpose gin or for that matter one I should try right away?
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I'm a GNT guy. Never got into martinis but I haven't really tried too many. I would like to try some in the future to see if I like them or not. Personally, I can tell a big difference between gins when mixed with tonic. Just my :-)
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You can get away with using cheaper liquor when mixing in cocktails. However, using a higher end liquor will make a much tastier cocktail.

My favorite, everyday gin is New Amsterdam. I can get a 1.5L for $18-$20. And it is good enough to drink in a martini.

If you are starting out with martinis, I suggest New Amsterdam, Tanqueray, Beefeater and/or Bombay. I would not use the cheapo brands of gin.

If you have a question about a specific gin, feel free to post about it here or PM me.
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Apparently Tuthilltown Spirits (a local mico-batch distillery here in the Catskills of NY) recently released their new Half Moon Orchard Gin, made from wheat and apples. Haven't been able to find it anywhere, even at the local shops that carry Tuthilltown's Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey. I may have to take a trip down to the distillery for a tour and sample!

http://www.tuthilltown.com/category/...unaged-spirits

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Thanks, Peter! Looks like I will be stopping by the liquor store on my way home. Any suggestions/lessons about the beginner's martini?
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Like anything, it's all about personal preference.

Some like them stirred over ice. Others, like me, like them shaken and then strained into a martini glass. Some say shake gently. I prefer them shaken vigorously. Amount of (dry) vermouth is definitely one of taste. Many say waving the cap of the vermouth bottle over the shaker is plenty (none). I have seen the proportion as high as 3 parts gin to 1 part vermouth. I prefer ~5 to 1. I will usually just free pour a capful or a tad more into the shaker with the ice and gin. Whenever I try a new gin, like the many I've recently posted above, I omit the vermouth in order to get the true flavor of the gin. I then revert to adding some (but not much).

There is much to be enjoyed in the experimentation.
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