Grey Goose Casino
Introduction
The Grey Eagle Resort Hotel is just minutes from downtown Calgary, backing onto the panoramic views of the Tsuut’ina Nation. New Amsterdam gin (40%, 750 ml, $10.49-$13.99) New Amsterdam gin prices are at the lower end of the price spectrum, but as mentioned in the introduction, the spirit separates itself from other gins with its “New Western” approach to alcohol blending. If you’re a gin purist searching for something similar to the London Dry mixture, New Amsterdam isn’t the gin for you.
Contrary to the place after which this gin is named, New Amsterdam gin traces its roots to a Modesto, California, USA distillery.
Speaking of California, the US state is also known for its production of oranges, which make its way to the gin - and make quite a mark on the mouth. The general taste of juniper is suppressed by a dominant orange flavor. That’s great for cocktails heavy on fruit-oriented gin, but for martinis, the permeation of orange in the gin could be an issue.
However, just because New Amsterdam has a massive infusion of fruits in its aroma and flavor doesn’t mean that the spirit isn’t a must-try. The gin goes down smoothly thru the gullet, with a unique tingling sensation.
Size | Proof |
|---|---|
750ml | 80 |
$15.99 - $17.99 | |
1.75L | 80 |
New Amsterdam gin (40%, 750 ml, $10.49-$13.99)
New Amsterdam gin prices are at the lower end of the price spectrum, but as mentioned in the introduction, the spirit separates itself from other gins with its “New Western” approach to alcohol blending. If you’re a gin purist searching for something similar to the London Dry mixture, New Amsterdam isn’t the gin for you. But if you’re big on the New Western, heavy on non-juniper blending of gin, this California drink may be a good choice.
New Amsterdam gin vs other alternative gins
Alternatives:
- G & J Greenall’s gin ($13.99)
- Hadley and Sons gin ($10.99-$13.99)
- Seagram’s Pineapple Twisted Gin ($9.99-$13.99)
Grey Goose Casino Calgary
G & J Greenall’s gin leans more on the London Dry side, but doesn’t have the London Dry distinct heat. Also, just like New Amsterdam, the juniper flavor isn’t dominant. Coriander, orange, lemon and cassia are on the tongue, and arguably share (or perhaps grab) the drinker’s attention with the juniper base.
Hadley and Sons gin is arguably the better comparison to New Amsterdam, as the former is also produced in the “New Western” vein. Floral notes, cucumber and citrus abound more than the juniper, and could be a US-based New Western spirit of choice for those that don’t like a lot of orange in their gin.
Arguably the most popular of the Seagram’s fruit liqueur-infused gins, Seagram’s Pineapple Twisted Gin has a dominant pineapple taste that could pass for a “New Western” spirit. However, since Seagram’s gin has a foundation based on a London Dry approach, gin purists will lean more towards Seagram’s “fruit” gins than New Amsterdam - for the same price range.
What to mix with New Amsterdam gin
The New Amsterdam line makes no pretenses about being a dry (or even London Dry) gin.
Grey Goose Cherry
That said, their fruity overall taste makes for a nice base for earthy cocktails, such as the Casino Number One. An Aviation sans creme de violette, the orange bitters add a healthy dose of orange to the New Amsterdam flavor.
- 1 1/2 shot New Amsterdam gin
- 3/4 shot Luxardo Maraschino Originale Liqueur
- 1/2 shot freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 shot chilled water (omit if using wet ice)
- 1 dash orange bitters
Shake all ingredients with ice.
Grey Goose Casino
Fine strain into chilled glass.
Grey Goose Cherry Mule
Garnish with Luxardo Maraschino cherry.