Dutch courage, no not the live album by American hard-core punk band, Poison Idea, which was released in the 1990’s. Dutch Courage is an English colloquialism intended to mean using spirits to stiffen resolve. Courage gained from intoxication with alcohol.
The original alcohol used was Gin. The story is one of English soldiers fighting in the Thirty Years’ War. Dutch gin was used by English soldiers for its believed warming properties on the body in cold weather and its calming effects before battle; another version states that English soldiers noted the bravery-inducing effects of Jenever’s Liquor on Dutch soldiers and dubbed it “Dutch Courage”. Gin would go on to become popular in England after the war.
The maker’s of Jenever’s Liquor (Gin’s foremother, if you will) began to infuse alcohol with juniper berries and a variety of other botanicals. Gin is still made this way today, and each brand has its own recipe and techniques for infusion. While all gin has some juniper flavor, the other botanicals can include a wide array of herbs, vegetables, flowers, fruits, spices and even tea. The botanicals also helped to make rough alcohol somewhat more palatable.
Much of the gin sold today, including Beefeater, is the so-called “London dry” style. But there are actually several other varieties, including Plymouth and old Tom, as well as the malty Dutch gin cousin genever, which has just recently been reintroduced to the American market.
Plymouth Gin is made in Plymouth, Devon, England at the Plymouth’s Black Friars Distillery. It dates back to 1431, when it was first built as a monastery. All of the brand’s gin is made in just a single pot still, which was installed in 1855.
Old Tom Gin is a gin recipe popular in 18th-century England. In modern times, it became rare but has experienced a resurgence in the “Craft Cocktail” movement. It is slightly sweeter than London Dry, but slightly drier than the Dutch Jenever, thus is sometimes called “the missing link”
~The Internet Cocktail Database
Gin is essential for numerous classic cocktails. Good gins are created to work well in cocktails. When you stir or shake gin, all the botanicals come to life and give complexities you weren’t expecting in the mixed drink. You might have a shot of whiskey or sip your Brandy but to truly enjoy the complexities of Gin a cocktail is required.
Locally, St. Augustine Distillery Co. is your best bet for a fine Gin.
They produce a small batch Gin, they’ve christened, New World Gin. It is carefully crafted from the finest botanicals. It has just enough juniper to support good structure, and balanced citrus and spice notes such as cassia bark and angelica. Hand-grinding whole, fresh herbs with a vintage burr mill preserves the freshness and vibrancy of the botanicals in this expression of a classic spirit.
New World Gin brought home a Gold Medal from the last San Francisco International Spirits Competition, and another from The American Craft Distilling Association held in Austin, TX
And if you want someone else to mix a fine Gin cocktail for you, head over to Myth Nightclub & Bar 333 East Bay Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 for one of their takes on Classic Gin Cocktails.
Bees Knees Gin, honey syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice poured over ice, shaken and strained into a cocktail glass. Garnished with a lemon twist.
Gin Buck Gin, freshly squeezed lime juice, topped with ginger ale stirred and poured into a Collins glass, garnished with a lime wedge.
French 75 Gin, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup shaken over ice and strained into a champagne flue with champagne. Garnished with a ribbon of lemon peel.
The last-word Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Green Chartreuse and fresh lime juice shaken and double strained into a chilled cocktail glass.
The Hanky Panky Gin, sweet vermouth, fernet-branca, mixed in an ice filled glass, stirred and strained into a chilled cocktail glass and garnished with an orange twist.
By the by, June 10, 2017 is World Gin Day. I didn’t mention it sooner as you can drink Gin everyday. Have some courage.