Mixing With Nolet’s Silver Gin – Introduced by Jake Bliven

The Royal Nolet Family Distillery is the oldest distillery in Holland, still in the hands of the founding family who has blessed us with their distilling prowess for 325 years.

Touted as the gin for a new generation of gin drinker, NOLET’S Silver Gin is collaboration between Carolus Nolet, Sr. and eleventh generation sons Bob and Carl, Jr. It’s still relatively new to the market and exemplifies the family’s dedication and passion for its trade.

Their approach was to produce a neutral grain spirit from the finest winter wheat in small batches, featuring a unique combination of botanicals never used before for a distinctive flavor profile.

Mixing With Nolet's Silver Gin

Mixing With Nolet’s Silver Gin

First, a traditional ultra wheat spirit is used to create a botanical base. All of the botanicals used are individually macerated and then distilled utilizing a copper still. The signature botanicals of Turkish rose, raspberry and peach are then infused and gently blended with the traditional gin base. Afterwards, a period of rest allows the gin to achieve an ideal balance of flavors and aromas. Every batch is required to be approved by a family member to insure the highest standard of quality.

NOLET’S Silver Gin has already garnered several awards including a 98 Rating by Cigar & Spirits Magazine, Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and received the highest five-star recommendation from F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal. Whereas ingredients like peaches, raspberries and Turkish rose might perplex some bartenders, I believe many more will find NOLET’S Silver a source to fuel their cocktail inspirations.

After tasting it I immediately wanted to try NOLET’S Silver in a classic Bee’s Knees or a Southside Cocktail. The Corpse Reviver and the Tuxedo were two others that came to mind. A traditional White Lady Sour using egg whites was also magical with its velvety mouth feel mingling with the fruit notes. Spirit forward cocktails that might gain a new dimension with NOLET’S Silver are the Depth Charge or a classic Vesper. Finally, one might simply have fun with the Spanish approach to Gin & Tonic, and create an array of aromatic garnishes that complement the floral aromas of NOLET’S Silver.

As this series unfolds, we’ll meet three highly respected bartenders from Los Angeles, New York and Miami who will marvel us with signature cocktail expressions inspired by NOLET’S Silver Gin. Until then, I encourage you to start with classic gin cocktail recipes to see how the addition of NOLET’S unique floral and fruit-forward profile can bring new life to them. My own signature drink with NOLET’S Silver Gin simply features elements from two classics blended together with the addition of other subtler elements. I look forward to seeing how our colleagues will be inspiring us with their creations and how all of you will interpret them.

buzz on the southside cocktail

Buzz on the Southside

Buzz on the Southside

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz. NOLET’S Silver Gin
  • 3/4 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 oz. Honey Syrup (2:1 honey to water ratio)
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
  • small pinch of Mint
  • small pinch of Ginger Salt

Preparation: In a mixing tin, gently muddle mint with fresh lemon juice and honey syrup. Add 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters and a pinch of ginger salt along with NOLET’S Silver. Shake with cracked ice and double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel.


Meet Jake Bliven

Chilled 100 Member, San Diego
Jake Bliven has been in the beverage industry for over 15 years, opening and consulting for several restaurants and bars in the Pacific Northwest. He has also been involved in opening a major brewery as well as managing a craft beer and wine distributor. He currently resides in Southern California.

Jake Bliven

Jake Bliven – Chilled 100 Ambassador, San Diego