Ginspiration Gin of the Month
Speakeasy Gin by The Gintrap and National Distillery
Welcome to our inaugural “Ginspiration Gin of the Month” feature, where we talk about one of our favourite gins (and we’ve got over 300 to choose from!?), which of our seasonal menu offerings they pair best with, and how you could make a perfect gin cocktail with this month’s favourite at home.
Naturally, we’ve decided to kick our first month off with our very own “Speakeasy Gin”, a unique creation born from a collaboration between our team at The Gintrap and Ahuriri’s very own National Distillery!
About Speakeasy by The Gintrap
When we got to work with our neighbours at the National Distillery, we wanted to create a gin that was a wee bit different and 100% ours. We took a London Dry base, giving us all the wonderful citrus and piney notes you’d expect from a high-quality gin, and given it a local twist with Manuka honey and crisp pear. Inspired by the prohibition era which brought Ahuriri Napier its famous Art Deco architecture, and Hawke’s Bay’s reputation as the fruit bowl of New Zealand, this gin carries the essence of secret gatherings and hidden indulgences.
Tasting Notes
Speakeasy Gin offers a harmonious blend of traditional botanicals with a contemporary Hawke’s Bay twist.
On the nose
On the nose, expect a subtle burst of juniper, complemented by fragrant citrus and delicate floral notes from Hawke’s Bay pear.
On the palate
The palate is greeted with a smooth, balanced flavour profile, where the classic piney notes of juniper are intertwined with zesty lemon peel and a hint of spice.
On the finish
The finish is clean, with a lingering warmth that invites another sip.
Tonic pairing
For a perfect G&T, pair Speakeasy Gin with Fever-Tree Light Indian Tonic. The clean, crisp flavour of this tonic balances the gin’s citrus and botanical notes, allowing the gin’s natural complexity to shine through without overpowering it. The lightness of the tonic enhances the gin’s subtle spice and citrus elements, making for a refreshing and well-rounded drink. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and a slice of crisp pear for an added aromatic touch.
Menu pairing
Pair Speakeasy Gin with our famous Seafood Chowder. The creamy, rich flavours of the chowder, loaded with fresh seafood, complement the citrus and herbal notes of Speakeasy Gin. The gin’s crisp finish balances the chowder’s richness, creating a delightful harmony of flavours.
If you prefer something lighter, consider pairing Speakeasy Gin with our Spiced Polenta Calamari. The citrusy, slightly tangy preserved lemon aioli harkens to the gin’s own citrusy notes, while the Speakeasy’s slight peppery finish plays off the subtle spices in the polenta crust.
Cocktail pairing
Why not try making a classic cocktail at home with a twist? The Negroni’s popularity grew during the same prohibition era that inspired our Speakeasy Gin and eventually spread internationally, becoming a classic staple in cocktail culture worldwide. Its balanced yet robust flavour profile has endured over the decades, leading to numerous variations and adaptations such as; The Speakeasy Negroni, which is a perfect choice to highlight our first ever Gin of the Month and just in time for world Negroni week, celebrated from the 16th to the 22nd of September this year.
The bold, bittersweet flavours of the Negroni are perfectly complemented by the smooth, botanical notes of Speakeasy Gin.
Speakeasy by the Gintrap is a local treasure that embodies the spirit of Ahuriri Napier and the Gintrap Restaurant and Bar, we’ve crafted it with care, it’s full of character, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a simple G&T, a sophisticated cocktail, or pairing it with a delicious meal, Speakeasy by the Gintrap is sure to impress.
Visit us at The Gintrap Restaurant and Bar to experience it for yourself or order your own bottle from The Ginstop and try it at home with our recommendations.
Join us next month as we continue to explore our vast collection of over 300 different gins!
