It seems like there’s an official ‘day’ for everything now, from chili dogs, coast guards and oysters to cheesecake, soils and paperbacks. As self-confessed top shelf alcohol aficionados, P&O loves to shine the spotlight on the dates that celebrate all things distilled. Earlier this year the line did just this when it went into full swing celebration mode to mark June 13, also known as World Gin Day.
Britain’s favourite drop
The juniper berry based spirit is a quintessential British classic and given the fact that P&O boasts the UK’s biggest cruise ship, it was only fitting that the line celebrated in style. On-board Britannia passengers were treated to Britannia’s Great British Gin Menu that featured 20 of the nation’s finest artisan gins. Served up in the chic surrounds of the ship’s stunning observation lounge, The Crow’s Nest guests sipped on their drinks while admiring panoramic views of the open ocean.
A tantalising menu of artisan gins
So what was on offer? As well as big names such as Hendrick’s, Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire bartenders were also showcasing smaller, artisan names. Some of our absolute favourites included Argyll’s The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, Cornwall’s Tarquin’s Dry Gin, Edinburgh’s Darnley’s View, Surrey’s Silent Pool Gin and Mason’s Yorkshire Gin and Ely Dark Chocolate Gin, both distilled in Cambridgeshire. Of course, passengers were offered the option of complementing their selections with artisan tonic waters specially crafted to bring out the floral flavours. Fevertree, Fentiman’s and Bottlegreen were our standout palate pleasers.
P&O Cruises marketing director Christopher Edgington is an avid gin connoisseur and has hailed The Crow’s Nest as the ideal place to enjoy an artisan G&T. “Since Britannia launched three months ago, The Crow’s Nest has become one of the most popular spots on the ship for guests to socialise or simply relax and soak up the views while enjoying a perfectly crafted gin and tonic. Our Great British Gin Menu has become quite a talking point,” he says.
G&Ts all year round!
If you missed World Gin Day don’t despair. The Crow’s Nest serves up its Great British Gin Menu throughout the year, with the knowledgeable bar staff on-hand to help passengers enjoy the ‘perfect serve’ for every brand. For example, drinkers wanting to sample the full-body, fresh botanical aromas and exceptional clarity of Silent Pool Gin will be advised to mix it with Fevertree Elderflower tonic and lime. Mason’s Yorkshire Gin pair perfectly with orange peel and a dash of Fentiman’s tonic while The Botanist Islay Dry Gin makes for a magnificent martini when accompanied with a dash of vermouth and an olive garnish. Whatever the itinerary, The Crow’s Nest will be pouring G&Ts throughout!
Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credits: Jonathan Cohen
