If nothing else, h. and I are scientists. We believe in a pragmatic, methodical approach towards all things delicious, and the classic GnT is no exception. We are lovers of various types of Gin - from the traditional London Dry style to the Dutch Genever (Jenever). Just a whiff of a Tanqueray & tonic with lime instantly whisks me away to the Jersey shore with thoughts of summer dancing in my head.

So in our quest for the ultimate GnT we decided to apply the scientific method by selecting four different Gins and two tonics for a taste test. Our contenders were (in no particular order):

The Gins:

1. Tanqueray - a classic London Dry Gin. Pronounced juniper aroma and flavor, with underlying notes of citrus.
2. Uncle Val's Botanical Gin - an American Style Gin. The smell is equal parts juniper, lemon zest, and herbs. An interesting flavor profile that starts with citrus and finishes with sage and bay leaf. (http://www.3badge.com/unclevals/)
3. Brooklyn Gin - a new gin for us.  This one presents as clean and citrusy. Delicious and definitely worth checking out! (http://www.brooklyngin.com/about/ )
4. The Botanist - a Scottish Dry Gin (Islay) that is amazingly clean and aromatic. You likely have tried Hendricks with their rose petal and cucumber nose - this one is just as smooth and bubbling over with botanicals. A go-to favorite for a super dry Martini. (https://www.thebotanist.com/the-botanist-islay-dry-gin)

The Tonics:

1. Schweppes - a commodity tonic with a strong, medicinal quinine flavor.
2. Fever Tree Indian - a boutique tonic, its quinine bite is balanced with floral elements.

The Approach:

1. To keep it fair, we measured out equal portions of Gin into each of the 4x2 matrix of glasses.
2. We then topped the Gin with a consistent volume of tonic, ice, and a squeeze of lime. Each was given exactly 3 clockwise and 4 counterclockwise stirs... ;-P
3. Being scientific, we then proceeded to try each GnT and discuss the results! (Resampling as often as necessary to ensure accuracy)
4. Guest judges (in addition to h. and me) were fellow gin lovers E and M.

The Results!

• Tanqueray and Schweppes served as our standard for what a traditional GnT should taste like. It was definitely the most assertive and straightforward combination - all juniper and bitterness and lime.
• The Botanist and Fever Tree combo was at the opposite end of the spectrum. An elegant and refined GnT - the tonic was sufficiently subtle to allow the complex mixture of botanicals in the Gin to shine through.
• In general, the more juniper-y Gins (Tanqueray and Uncle Val's) worked best with the Schweppes, while the more delicate floral Gins (Brooklyn and The Botanist) paired well with the Fever Tree.
• Each of us had a favorite (or three), but there was no consensus. Instead, personal taste preferences won out. M chose the crisp citrus flavors of the Brooklyn + Fever Tree, while h. preferred the strong pine-and-herb qualities of Uncle Val's + Schweppes ("an amped-up version of the classic GnT, but more complex and interesting"). E liked both of those, as well as The Botanist + Fever Tree. This last combo was my top choice, with a clean, almost salt-spray note balanced by floral, herbal, limey deliciousness. I think I have a new favorite for the Jersey shore!

r. & h.