Gin and beer – the thought is almost enough to turn one’s stomach.
I can’t imagine any two flavors that seemed more destined to remain at opposite sides of the Fridge, but it came up just last night.
You see, I was re-reading Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, and when I got to the part where Hornblower challenges Mr. Simpson to a duel – the reader learns that Simpson had been drinking his beer with Gin in it.
Of course this got my mind thinking – REALLY?
History, of course, leads some credence to this -
The men were entitled to a gallon of beer per day, this was small beer and not very alcoholic, in addition to this they received a half pint rum ration per day, with which, along with tobacco, they might hope to alleviate some of the tedium of life at sea. – SOURCE
Granted, the above mentions Rum – however Gin was a viable (Cheaper and more readily available) substitute, and considering the level of drunkenness – strengthening one’s watery beer would not seem out of the question.
Further – Gin and Beer have other references out there as well:
Beer Street and Gin Lane from William Hogarth (on of my favorite Artists) places the two together in art….and has even made an appearance back in 2009 here on Smokes and Booze (you’ll have to scroll down.
The beverages are also mentioned together by Rudyard Kipling in his famous poem – Gung Din
"You may talk o' gin and beer When you're quartered safe out 'ere,"
There is a drink called a Skip and Go Naked that sounds plausible -
Skip and go naked:
Combine beer, lemon juice and gin, with a dash of grenadine.
Finally, you go to the Tower of London you can see two statues in the White Tower called Gin and Beer (each holding their respective drink).
Maybe there is something to this? What do you think? Review forthcoming -
funny, when I saw the title I immediately thought of that scene from Hornblower. Great mind think alike and all that!
ReplyDeleteIts such a great book and series too.
ReplyDeleteWell if you look at a brand of gin like say, Beefeater, you will notice it is flavored with 'hints' of coriander and orange. At the same time, if you were to look at certain Belgian style beers (wit, hefeweizen) you will notice they too are flavored with coriander and orange. I just recently came across a drink called the 'witty gin fiz' which was made like a classic gin fizz except used a wit beer in place of club soda. This inspired me to try a Blue Moon beer with a shot of Beefeater in it. I've got to say, it's quite good! For now I'm calling it the 'Moon Eater'. Cheers!
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