Getting “Ginspiration” from Jawbox Gin

I hadn’t ever been to Alibi before so I really wasn’t sure what to expect.  I have to say that i was pleasantly surprised as it really is a lovely bar, casually classy with a real speakeasy feel to it.  When we arrived, we were warmly greeted and presented with a glass of Jawbox gin with ginger ale, the signature serve for Jawbox.

As my friend Karin and I were the first to arrive we took the opportunity to have a chat with Gerry White, founder of Jawbox and our host for the evening. He is great craic and his passion for his gin is clear to see!

Once everyone else had arrived and settled, Gerry talked us through a bit of the history of his gin.  Did you know that the Jawbox was how the kitchen sink used to be referred to, mainly because everyone gathered round the sink in the kitchen, the warmest room in the house! We still do that today!

On 22nd February 2017, Jawbox celebrated its first anniversary and what a year it has been for the brand.  It has been introduced to more and more bars and its popularity is soaring!  It is produced in a pot still in Kircubbin.  As part of the brands 1st anniversary celebrations, the pot still was christened Maisie after Gerry’s Grandmother – what a nice touch!

What makes the gin unusual is that it is the only gin made with malt barley not wheat.  They steep the gin in botanicals overnight and vapour infuse some more  botanicals to give Jawbox its unique flavour.  As we sipped on our Jawbox and ginger with a dash of lime, Gerry explained that the first recorded cocktail was Gin and ginger and that Ginger ale was actually invented in Belfast!  Who knew?

Next up was a serving of neat Jawbox.  This gave us a chance to appreciate the unique flavours within the gin.  Never did I picture a day when I would be swigging neat gin but do you know what- it was delicious.

Our next cocktail was the Botanic gardens, a yummy mix of  Chai tea,  apple, tarragon, cucumber,  Jawbox and  lime juice.  I loved this one and will definitely be back in Alibi for another!  Another favourite was the Gin Mojito, a Mojito but with Jawbox- a genius idea and delicious too!  Our final cocktail was the Jawbox Bramble- lemon sugar and gin with blackberry,  shaken for a better blend of flavours and very drinkable.

I should mention that our cocktails were accompanied by some tasty canapés.  Perfect for soaking up some of that gin!

If you enjoy top quality cocktails in a lovely venue then you really should check out Alibi for a great night out.  Ask for the Botanic Gardens- you won’t regret it!