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.