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| Headline August 2014 |
This is not just a book for those
who like a twist of lime and a couple of ice cubes with their gin and mixer. It’s
a riotous romp through the culture and history of London as seen through the eyeglass
of this most iconic of drinks. From the squalid image of the bawds and hookers
of Hogarth’s Gin Lane, through to the sophisticated pleasure palaces of our
modern day, Gin Glorious Gin covers a
whole range of senses and uncovers the complex history of a drink which knows
no common dominator.
Immortalised in the work of
Dickens, Fielding and Dr Johnson, this story begins its journey with the
history of gin and its development from the steeping of juniper berries in
alcohol, to the origin of the phrase ’Dutch Courage’ during the Thirty Year War
in 1618-1648. Initially, a tipple of the poor, the great unwashed of London
would seek an hour’s oblivion in a pint of mother’s ruin, whilst the
upper classes preferred a more elite form of inebriation in their
glasses of sherry, brandy and claret.
Not only was Gin viewed as a
means of escape, but was also extensively promoted as a medicinal. In 1642, the
London herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, considered juniper berries to be a wonder
drug and a cure all for all ills. The area around Clerkenwell Green where he
collected his herbs would go on to become the hub of London’s gin making.
The book brings the evolution of gin right up to date with a journey through to the modern day distilleries, and
discusses the sophisticated distillery processes which have evolved, from the
mass production of our more iconic brands, to the smaller and more stylish,
smaller companies who blend for a sophisticated palate.
It’s a great read, thoroughly
enjoyable, informative and witty, with just the right amount of history, so that
it doesn't become too bogged down in facts and figures.
It would make the
perfect accompaniment to a long, cold glass of gin and tonic – ice and a slice
of lime in mine.
I like a bit of social history. :) Interesting! One for the list later on, I think.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane - it would make a perfect Christmas present along with a bottle of Bombay Sapphire :)
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