Really, this post should be titled “Calling All Cocktail Lovers,” because even those who think they don’t love gin (maybe they just like it, or are okay with it--but really, everyone should love gin, because it’s so cuddly and loveable) will want to pick up Gaz Regan’s new book, the bartender’s GIN compendium. It not only goes through the interesting and intriguing history of gin, but also provides detailed tasting notes on most gins on the market today, as well as the newer Old Tom gins now available (finally, a proper Tom Collins can be made again), making it easy to find a gin that suits your tastes. As if that wasn’t enough, there are a host of handy and sip-able recipes (over 250!) like the Leo Di Janeiro, which mixes Tanqueray gin, pineapple juice, and Angostura bitters, topped with a lemon twist. If someone could bring me one of these right now, I’d be awfully happy.
A book loaded up with gin history, recipes, and helpful notes about current types and brands of gin would be pretty darn great all on its own. But what really makes this book a must for anyone who likes a drink here and there with friends at the bar is the wonderfully enjoyable writing by author Gaz Regan (who’s also known here and there as Gary Regan). Gaz has written a bunch of worthy booze books, and is not only one of the world’s top experts on the subject, but also a charming, witty, raconteur, the type of drinking companion you want to joke with, learn from, and talk to all the way until closing time. Gaz’ great personality, which comes through on every page, is why the GIN compendium will be a bar book you actually enjoy reading (maybe not quite as much as you’ll enjoy testing the recipes, but it’ll be pretty close). So pick it up, pick up some gin, and start shaking and turning those pages.
--A.J. Rathbun
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