Bulldog smells like gin, tastes like gin, but doesn’t have quite the same bite as typical gin possibly due to its lower alcohol content. Many gins are bottled at a higher proof range of 90ish while Bulldog Gin is bottled at the same proof as vodka; 80 proof. The flavor is light, a wee bit floral and softer on juniper than a few brisker gins such as Right Gin and G’vine Nouaison. Bulldog’s founder, Anshuman Vohra, achieved the goal of lighter tasting gin with an aesthetically appealing bottle for the contemporary consumer. The bottle draws one’s eye to it with stylish junkyard dog fascination, but the flavor lacks the brusque character that is closely associated with many classic gins with brighter, crisper tasting flavor personality. Bulldog comes across a little rounder along the edges. Perhaps it is the unique accents of lavender, lotus and dragon’s eye that charm their way into the flavor profile.
For traditional gin martini enthusiasts Bulldog’s bark is a little flashier than its bite, but it still makes a nice addition to the gin category. Even so, it is always a great idea to take contemporary styled gin and whip up a classic cocktail or two.
Bronx
2 parts Gin
1 part Orange Juice
1/2 part Dry Vermouth
1/2 part Sweet Vermouth
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
The Bronx cocktail comes off balanced in flavor. Not too sweet. Slightly round on the edges. More of the sweet vermouth comes through in a secondary round of flavor.
Dubarry
Dash Absinthe
Dash Classic Bitters
2 parts Gin
1 part Dry Vermouth
Lemon Twist
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with lemon twist.
While I love a hint of absinthe flavor, I don’t like it to overpower a drink. Rather than add a dash of Pernod risking a bit too much I washed the ice in the mixing glass with Pernod and then strained it out. The Dubarry is rather interesting, possibly even bizarre. Just when I think the Pernod will overtake the cocktail it fades into resistance and that is a rather difficult feat for a spirit over the likes of absinthe! There is this particular melting vanilla butteriness in the cocktail that I like. The Dubarry is not my favorite classic cocktail by far. I can’t even say I could consume an entire one, but halving the portions to a smaller cocktail might make it just the hint of different a palate needs for a sense of the past once in a while. It’s good, but different. A diversion from the usual; a little like Bulldog Gin.
Bulldog Gin provided for review purposes.
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