Heston Blumenthal has added a new Gin to the Heston from Waitrose range and it has an interesting pairing suggestion – olive oil. The Lazy Sunshine Gin is inspired by Heston’s fondness of the south of France, where, at the age of 16, his love of food began.
Lazy Sunshine Gin is infused with Mediterranean sweet basil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender botanicals on top of a robust and fragrant Italian juniper, citrus, and spice botanical base. Heston suggests serving the gin with Mediterranean Tonic, ice, a Nocellara olive and,a drizzle of olive oil.
“Open this bottle and what do you smell? Basil, rosemary, thyme, lavender and Juniper,” noted Heston Blumenthal. “For me, those aromas are Provence in a glass – the place that first inspired me to be a chef. And how will I be drinking it in the lazy sunshine? With the addition of a little olive oil to give it body and intensity. Try it – you’ll like it. Santé.”
John Vine, Waitrose spirits buyer says: “This gin is exceptional – delicious and aromatic on its own, but also amazing with a drizzle of good quality olive oil over the top- the Waitrose No.1 Chianti Olive Oil is a perfect match. On the nose, the fragrant juniper comes through and balances perfectly with the subtle notes of lavender. When you taste the gin, the fresh juniper and savoury herbal notes blend together beautifully. The finish is dry like a classic gin but with floral and herbal notes. The olive oil brings out all of these flavours, making it a show-stopping cocktail to have as an aperitif, while enjoying the late summer sunshine in the garden.”
The Heston from Waitrose Lazy Sunshine Gin created by Heston Blumenthal is on sale for £25 ($33 USD) per 70cl bottle and available in store and online at Waitrose Cellar.