Katherine O’Neil really knows gin. As a professional in the drinks industry for several years and an obvious fan of her subject, she has created this tonic of a show (see what I did there?) that fills us in on the important and fascinating history of Gin and also fills us with gin. What’s not to like?
With an ever changing selection of gins on offer and a fascinating collection of facts and stories, The Gin Whore Tour is an excellent way to spend an evening.
O’Neil manages to fit a great deal of information into the show, covering the history of this popular spirit from its earliest origins and use in warfare as a supplement to soldiers’ rations and its association with the poverty-stricken Victorian lower classes through to its being embraced by the upper classes as their tipple of choice.
A particular surprise for me as a malt whisky drinker and wee bit of a wine snob is that there’s a whole culture around the proper way to drink gin with its own rules and methods that seem so familiar to someone who loves the ritual of enjoying a quality drink.
It’s always delightful to listen to someone speak about a subject they love and O’Neil certainly loves her chosen subject. She’s a charming host and guide throughout as she tells us both funny and tragic tales related to this product of the simple juniper berry and explains the differences between the four gins that we get to sample along with a range of tonics that perfectly compliment the spirits. Her style is light, yet informative and, most importantly, very entertaining.
With an ever changing selection of gins on offer and a fascinating collection of facts and stories, The Gin Whore Tour is an excellent way to spend an evening. If you’re a fan of gin, this show is for you. If you’re not a fan; this lovely presentation could very well change your tastes.
