(Originally posted 19 December 2017)
I’m not a stranger to the art of middle class. After a brief spell rebelling against it as a late teen, I now fully accept the fact that I was brought up the son of a headmaster who was himself the son of a headmaster. That headmaster was in turn the son of a vicar and yet another vicar preceded him.
Middle-class as far back as the eye can see. This lineage is past; today marks ten years since my father died and it is with this in mind, tonight, that I raise a middle-class glass to the Old Man, and dedicate a Middle Class Gin Review to him.
Roku Gin. A Japanese craft gin that I had absolutely no preconceptions of, and boy, it’s surprised me. It is sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. I have garnished it with a roughed-up basil leaf and a slice of red apple, and this will forever be the way I prepare a G&T with Roku.
The apple compliments and enhances the sweetness, without distracting. The basil highlights what I can only describe as a fresh leafiness to the gin, accenting the subtlety of the botanicals. This is a fresh gin, with a palate than can literally only be described as “soft” – it has the consistency of a cloud, and teases your tastebuds with the gentle stepping of a prima ballerina. The finish lingers, with a rounded, mellow dream, hinting of green tea.
I did not have a middle class meal pairing with this gin tonight, however I imagine it would work exceptionally well with simple food, done well. Vegetables dipped in a light, fluffy tempura batter, served with a gingery dipping sauce would be perfect.
Domo arigato, Roku gin.
But more importantly, domo arigato Old Man.