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Ginterview: Philip David

Bon Vivant Mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

· Ginterview,The Bon Vivant Mix,Philip David

I often say choosing a favourite gin is like choosing between my children (which is why I don't have any) -

What's your desert island gin & why?

Plymouth Navy Strength, because if you're on a desert island you wanna be sparing with your Gin so that extra kick *should* make it last just a little bit longer!

I have many different favourite bars depending on the occasion.

What's your favourite venue for:

A. A Dry Martini & Date Night?

B. A Red Snapper & Brunch?

C. Gin & a party?

A. The Martini is a sacred drink, and my favourite place to go for a Martini on date night would have to be Cocktail Trading Company. Great tunes, awesome service and drinks that can't be beat.

B. The best Red Snapper has got to be from Balthazar London, Brian Silva's recipe is by far the best I've ever come across and definitely takes care of the first course while you work up to solid food.

C. When I want to party there is one bar I always head to and that's Loves Company. They don't mess about, just great drinks, sick tunes and hospitality that keeps going and going and going. ;)

Which drinks professionals have inspired you & how?

I could name big names from the industry and I'm sure I'd get nods of approval from my peers, but honestly the first person who ever inspired me was a bartender by the name of Glen Barnes who sadly passed away.

His passion and excitement to create new drinks and give not only great service but a thrilling experience to his guests inspired me to go home and geek out on cocktail recipes so I could be better every day!

Philip David

Do you have a favourite Gin Botanical? (Yes. Really.)

Juniper? Seriously though if it wasn't for Juniper we'd all have to admit that we're just drinking flavoured vodka!

If you were a gin or a gin cocktail which would you be and why?

I'd probably be a Gin & Tonic, for ease, complexity and ability to be made anywhere it's the drink you have when you don't feel like drinking. ;)

Angus Winchester says olives are the devil's testicles. Thoughts?

I do love olives, just keep them out of my Martini!

Which gin has your favourite packaging? How important is this?

West Winds has some sick packaging and delicious juice to boot, If the bottle doesn't stand out, isn't easy to pour and hasn't got the guts to make a good drink what's the point?

Do you have a preferred tonic?

East Imperial has got to be one of best tonics out there.

What's your favourite trade event?

The one where I get to meet passionate professionals who love their industry.

What's your favourite food to pair with gin?

Bacon?

How did you get into the Gin industry?

A certain Mr. Louis Xavier Lewis-Smith came and did a talk about Hendricks in my friends bar and I caught the fever, when I came back from Plymouth Distillery later that year I realised Gin was for me!

What do you love most about your job?

Sharing new drinks with people, something about guiding a guest to try a new gin from the back bar is so satisfying when they end up asking you where to get it!

And the worst bits?

Being hungry at 5am and knowing that you aren't going to eat anything decent when you get home!

Do you have any recommended reads for gin lovers?

The Drunken Botanist

What are your Gin goals?

To make my own special Gin (no spoilers sorry).

What advice do you have for aspiring Gin professionals?

Keep trying new Gins, and keep going back to old ones, try and blind taste whenever possible and try not to let branding get in the way.

If you aren't drinking Gin what is your tipple?

Agave or Rum, really it just depends on the day and the bar.

Any other pearls of wisdom or Gin rants?

Never stop tasting!

Where can I send readers to find you online?

Get tickets to The Gin Whore Tour - enjoy tasting 4 gins & plenty of giggles at a venue near you!