I had a bad gin experience in college and have avoided the stuff ever since. But this brand is bringing me back in a big way. A friend of mine works for Distillery 209, which is a new gin brand created by Leslie Rudd (of Rudd Estate and Dean & Deluca fame). I've had several opportunities to try it at events, so when my friend asked me to judge a bartending contest to see who could make the best 209-inspired drink, I figured "Why not? Free drinks." Off I went to Lucid, a gallery/bar near Union Square. Fantastic venue, by the way -- beautifully lit, with great artwork for sale. A very natural fusion of gallery and bar. Downstairs is open and spacious, with room for larger pieces on the walls. Didn't get a chance to hang out down there on my last visit, but I will next time.
On to the gin. Clean, smooth and fragrant, I've had the chance to try it in martinis and mojitos, and have not been disappointed. My favorite at the bartending contest was a pomagranate martini. We quickly came up with a new name for it: Porn Star Pom. Awesome flavor and a beautiful color that both men and women would feel comfortable ordering at the bar without looking silly. I'm a dyed-in-the-wool wine freak, but if I'm ever in the mood for something else, it'll be this.
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