Yo, Jimbo. Another farookin’ endorsement? WTF? Unpaid? I’ll bet you’re getting checks in the mail or free stuff from these companies.

Ha! If I thought I could make some serious money or get free stuff by endorsing stuff, this site would be a constant infomercial. Truth is that I know that Peeps stop by here for scatological, snotty attempts at political humor and other nonsense a reasoned and careful examination of the American sociopolitical milieu.

As such, I think it is important that I discuss gin.

It seems to me that gin has fallen out of favor, but there are few things better than a proper martini. I’m talking about a drink that contains nothing more than a hint of vermouth and gin (and a twist of lemon peel or an olive or two). The colorful displays that are served in bars these days and referred to as “martinis” are often excellent, but simply pouring something into a martini glass does not make it a martini.

My gin of choice has been Bombay Sapphire, which is truly excellent. However; I was recently gifted with a bottle of Hendrick’s Gin, and it is quite something. It is manufactured in very small batches (450 liters) in a distillery in Scotland. Like all gins, it is flavored with various botanicals, but unlike other gins, Hendrick’s Gin is also infused with rose petals and cucumber. Sounds a little nuts, I know, but it makes an exquisite martini. Although it packs an 88 proof wallop, it’s as smooth as silk.

I figure that if you’re not a martini person, Hendrick’s might not be worth the extra money, but if you know and love an excellent martini, I’d say go for it.

P.S. When I’m out, I order martinis with olives, but at home I use Tomolives. Give them a try.

P.P.S. Note to the Hendrick’s Gin Peeps: If you’d like to drop a case off at the House by the Parkway (South), that would be cool. I’d gladly pay you Tuesday.