Ask the Bartender

Gin and Tonic State of Mind — Life, Served Over Ice

One of the things I wanted to do during this trip was take my Gin and Tonic State of Mind out into the world with me.

And what better time than a sea day?

With nowhere we had to be and nothing particularly serious on the agenda, we decided to do a little gin sampling before heading off to play bingo. Because apparently this is what my life looks like now: sampling gin with the bartender and then going to bingo.

Honestly, I’m quite happy with that. We didn’t win a thing, but we had a good time—and really, isn’t that the point?

But before bingo came KD.

His real name is Keenan, but everyone calls him KD. He’s one of the bartenders here on the ship, and when I told him about my little gin exploration, he was immediately interested—and very animated about what I should be drinking.

Before he’d let me get to his recommendation, though, there was another gin he wanted me to try: a raspberry gin from Whitley Neill Gin.

It was tart, fruity and very definitely raspberry. I could appreciate it, but it wasn’t really for me. I’m learning that when it comes to gin, fruitiness isn’t necessarily what I’m looking for.

Then KD pulled out the one he was really excited about.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin.

Not maybe Gunpowder. Not you could try Gunpowder.

Gunpowder.

He paired it with Fever-Tree tonic, and from that first sip I understood why he had been so enthusiastic.

This one packed a punch.

It was strong and much more floral, with layers of flavour that stayed with me after I swallowed. It didn’t have that pronounced juniper taste I associate with Tanqueray, which has become a useful reference point for me as I explore different gins.

Gunpowder was different—

• Bright and citrus-forward with fresh lemon, grapefruit, and a hint of piney juniper.
• Smooth and complex. It features a blend of oriental botanicals like cardamom, star anise, and caraway, balanced by the subtle, slightly peppery warmth of Chinese gunpowder green tea.

And I liked it.

That’s becoming one of the most interesting parts of this little gin adventure. I’m beginning to recognize what I’m tasting rather than simply deciding whether I like something.

The raspberry gin taught me something: tart and fruity probably isn’t where my palate naturally goes.

Tanqueray taught me that I enjoy that strong juniper presence.

And Gunpowder showed me that I can move away from juniper—as long as there’s something equally bold waiting on the other side.

Apparently, what I want from a gin is personality.

I want it to announce itself.

I want that first sip to make me pay attention, and I want the flavour to still be hanging around when I put the glass back down.

Gunpowder did that.

But perhaps my favourite part of this week’s gin discovery wasn’t actually the gin.

It was KD.

Travel gives us opportunities to taste different things and see different places, but some of the best discoveries happen because we stop and talk to someone.

Ask the bartender what he loves pouring.

Ask the server what she would order.

Ask the person who lives there where they would go.

Then listen to the excitement in their voice.

We spend so much time researching everything before we leave home that sometimes we forget there are people all around us carrying their own little collections of knowledge, favourites and stories.

Sometimes you don’t need another Google search.

You just need to ask KD.

And when KD says Gunpowder Irish Gin?

Apparently, you order the Gunpowder.

Then you go play bingo.

You may not win, but after a good gin and tonic, somehow that doesn’t seem terribly important.

Cheers from somewhere at sea.

Gin and Tonic State of Mind
Life, Served Over Ice.

— Soaring Soul & Vibes