#rooibos gin

[frimleyblogger]

KWV Cruxland Gin

As a fan of unusual gin bottles my eye was drawn to a bottle of KWV Cruxland Gin sitting on the shelves of the spiritual headquarters of Drinkfinder UK, Constantine Stores, and in particular a leather hood enclosing the neck looking very much like a hood used on men’s appendages in the more racy clips to found in dubious parts of the internet. Apparently, it is supposed to represent the cracked…

[thetockablog]

G & Tea: Gin and Tonic with a Rooibos Twist

G & Tea Ingredients60ml Gin60ml Rooibos Cordial1/4 cup orange juiceIceTonic waterOrange slices, to garnish MethodAdd gin, rooibos cordial, fresh orange juice, and ice to a shaker. Strain into a chilled glass. Top up with tonic water, and garnish with dried orange slices.

[kirfluffbon]

🍝🍸☕️ for the ask game w your oc(s) of choice :0c?

 🍝 SPAGHETTI — what is/are your oc's favorite food(s)?

Flake: Fairy bread, anything barbecue.

Kerkylas: Spetzofai, mannish water.

Carlisle: Bourbon soaked cherries. steak tips.

Chicory: Seafood bisques and chowders, vanilla bean crème brûlée.

🍸 COCKTAIL GLASS — what is your oc's favorite alcoholic drink, if they can drink?

Flake: Ramos gin fizz.

Kerkylas: Whisky, served neat.

Carlisle: Cherry bomb shot.

Chicory: Piña colada.

☕️ HOT BEVERAGE — does your oc prefer coffee, tea, hot chocolate, milk, water, or some other drink? how do they like to take this drink (ex. coffee with milk, hot chocolate with whipped cream, a specific kind of tea, etc)?

Flake: Almost exclusively drinks water and a diverse variety of boozy beverages; typically cocktails but she’s not really all that picky otherwise. Someone help her.

Kerkylas: Answered!

Carlisle: Partial to tea, but also enjoys coffee from time to time. How she takes the former depends on how she’s feeling - sometimes black, sometimes with cream and sugar.

Chicory: Very fond of flavoured tisane and tea blends (often black or rooibos), served hot with cream or milk and lots of sugar.

[ginbenci]

a get to know you better meme

tagged by @mightymightygnomepriest

do you make your bed? in winter yes, in summer rarely (the difference between 7 carefully layered blankets and one (1) light cotton sheet)

what’s your favourite number? in my early teens, 13, because it's supposed to be unlucky and I was perverse and enjoyed being Special. ...Now.... I don't really do favourite anythings. Numbers are good as they are, and whether I like them or not. I'm fond of 12, being the smallest abundant number, and also of 70, being the smallest weird (an abundant number that is not, unlike twelve, pseudoperfect). but this is a ramanujan moment (nothing's boring, you just don't know what makes it cool)

what is your job? I work in tech law!

If you could go back to school would you? eugh. for what, and who's paying?

can you parallel park? Legally, no! (i, ah, need to level up my license before it lapses [again]). Practically, probably--i could a decade ago?

a job you had that would surprise people? knife selling

do you think aliens are real? OOOOOOH do you want to hear my semi-complex theory involving the metallicity of stars???? it's highly relevant

can you drive a manual car? ...

what’s your guilty pleasure? matcha ice cream. the guilt accrues because i KNOW i will forget about it in my freezer after eating one serving and the rest will go bad 😭 but I want the one serving so much!

tattoos? nope, but not for any reason. just never done

favourite colour? why on earth would I have a preference for any specific visible frequency

favourite type of music? blink blink blink

do you like puzzles? yessssssssss. I like doing jigsaws just with my eyes; lovely memory of surveying the pieces of a 1000 piece tall ship one at a cousin's house while cousin watched, seeing a location, identifying the piece, extending my arm, picking it up, and putting the piece in the location without turning, testing, or being wrong. got a holy shit and felt much like a robot

any phobias? nope although I'm not great with going down stairs or escalators. but that's bc my balance is, historically, abysmal 🤣

favourite childhood sport? badminton? basketball maybe? not T-ball [I had a long-running inarticulable T-ball related crisis of the soul --- it's on a stand, if I miss it it would be so much more embarrassing than if someone threw it at me, it's right there --- and of course the best way to resolve this would be to practice, but no, I preferred to weep copiously every time I went up to bat, for reasons no one could discern, until they gently steered me away from home plate and I sat out]

do you talk to yourself? i joke that part of the reason I don't have an inner monologue is because it's an outer monologue

what movie(s) do you adore? Some Like It Hot, Bringing Up Baby, Noises Off!, Galaxy Quest, His Girl Friday [alright yes anything with Cary Grant], The Holiday, Wallace and Gromit the Curse of the Were-Rabbit

coffee or tea? yes to both. black coffee, green tea, unless I'm feeling like milk, sugar, honey, cream, herbal teas, chai, decaf--never rooibos though

first thing you wanted to be growing up? I just checked My Life Plan, to be sure. This is written in sparkly black crayon on both sides of a piece of now-faded mint green paper torn from a notepad. The same thing is written on both sides, except that on side A I clearly tried to write my full name (Ginevra), gave up, wrote "Gin", scratched out the excess letters, and added Disguise Scratches on the other side of my name to conceal the mistake. I was 4: Side A also has a couple of attempted spellings of "job", namely "Jod" and much smaller, tentative, "Joj".

Side B, the final draft, says:

Gin / 20 cats / 14 jobs / 8 kids / and 3 / dogs

These were full-time jobs/Jod/Joj, to be clear. One was The Mayor, one a doctor, one an artist, one an astronaut possibly? I didn't actually know 14 professions, but I was gonna keep my options open till I found some more.

I also had a fiancé at age 4. While I managed 14 full-time positions, his sole ambition was to drive the street-sweeping machine.

tagging in, post essay and no pressure: @safelycapricious @draskireis @leymonaide @banananutloaf4life @willidothefandango

[babygray-dam]

Gin-Iro-Neko Tea Salon’s third set of Gintama-inspired tea blends, 2022.

Katsura’s blend is a green tea with roasted brown rice, spearmint, juniper berry, cornflower and mugwort. The elegant flavor of green tea and the bittersweetness of mugwort give the tea a somewhat serious impression, while the mint brings a neat sharpness suitable for a frenzied nobleman.

Takasugi’s blend is a kyoho grape-flavored mix of oolong and pu’er teas, with raisins, blue mallow, shell ginger, and fennel. With a deep sweetness that makes you think of a fearless smile, the sharp taste of the shell ginger lurking in its depths conveys the dangerous glint in the man’s eye.

Sakamoto’s blend is a natsumikan-flavored mix of red and green rooibos tea, with pink pepper, ginger, orange peel, and golden berry. The uplifting strength of rooibos tea and hot stimulation of ginger, combined with the nostalgic aroma of bitter summer oranges, creates a powerful, unpretentious drink with bright, refreshing flavor.

Kamui’s blend Is a pomegranate-flavored fruit tea with strawberry, pineapple, papaya, elderberry, rose hip, black pepper, and hibiscus. The sharply acidic hibiscus, juicy strawberries, stimulating pepper, and energetic pomegranate combine to create a dangerously brilliant tea with a crisp, refreshing taste.

[xgoldxnhour]

A Very Descriptive Profile of Your Muse

Repost with the information of your muse, including headcanons, etc. if you fail to achieve some of the facts, add some of your own!

Name: Eloise Gwendolyn le Roux

Nickname(s): El, Blondie, Winnie, le Roux, bug, Birdie, Cyan, Goldie, Sunshine

Title(s): Bar/Coffeeshop owner, Sheriff/Deupty’s Wife

Age: 27-34

Species: Human

Sex: Female

Nationality: South African (Dutch & French)

Interests: Reading, TV Shows, Thrifting, Cooking, Baking, Knitting, Hiking, Poetry, Traveling, Naps, Animal Adopting

Profession: Bar/Coffeeshop Owner, Preschool Teacher, Nurse (verse specific)

Body type: Slim

Eyes: Real Fucking Blue

Hair: Blonde/Dirty Blonde and Monstrously Curly

Skin: Light Porcelain

Face: Imogen Poots

Posture: Pretty fucked. Always leaning or hunched over or in a ball

Height: 5’5”

Signature outfit: Mom jeans, a white t-shirt, partner’s overshirt

Significant Other: Sam, Rick, Shane, Tommy, Isaac, Sebastian, Negan (verse specific)

Companions: Her sibling(s), Tony Stark (marvel verse)

Strengths: Loyal, Positive, Tenacious, Goofy, Adaptable, Good with kids, Loving, Brave, Creative

Weaknesses: Stubborn, Impulsive, Biased, Dramatic, Reckless

Fruits: Tangerines, Peaches, Pears, Bananas, Kiwis, Pomegranate, Watermelon, Grapes

Drinks: Lemonade, Water, Rooibos tea, Guava Juice, Iced Coffee

Alcoholic Drinks: Budweiser, Gin, Mai Thais, Margarita, Lemon Drop, Soju

Smokes: No (Practically killed her uncle)

Drugs: Weed (in high school & once in a blue moon with her brother)

Driver’s License: Yes. California, Georgia, New York (verse specific)

Tagged by: @deputygonebye

Tagging: @wrathfulmercy @mettleborn @kelpforestkelpie @manhattanopus @invncibleiron

[dhampiravidi]

my muses' favorite drinks (1st is alcoholic, 2nd is their Starbucks order)!

this keeps coming up, so here we go.

Aurelia - Tom Collins (gin, lemon juice, sugar, carbonated water); Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte (steamed milk, cinnamon dolce syrup, espresso)

Fantomex - White Russian (vodka, coffee liqueur & cream); medium roast coffee (w/coconut milk, sugar & decaf espresso)

Skadi - Bacardi (spiced rum); Horchata (ground rice, cinnamon, vanilla); Starbucks cold brew in general, especially Cold Cream Cold Brew; White Peony aka Bai Mu Dan (tea)

Hestia - Kahlua & Chai; Chai Tea Latte (chai w/steamed milk)

Renée Michele - Vodka & Blue Raspberry Jello shots; Caramel Macchiato (espresso, vanilla syrup, milk & caramel sauce)

Rhea - Broke Colada (coconut rum, lime juice, pineapple soda); Baya Energy Mango Guava (premade)

Eugenia - hates alcohol; Arnold Palmer (tea & lemonade); Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Oraia - Paloma (tequila, lime juice, grapefruit soda) or Mojito (white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water & mint); Peach Green Tea

Achilles/Akhilleus - South Slope (Hayman's London Dry gin, aromatized wine, lemon juice, orange curaçao liquor); Vanilla Bean Crème Frap Blended (w/hot espresso shot)

Jayn - Sangria (dry red Spanish wine, brandy, triple sec, frozen lemonade, carbonated water); Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso (replace oatmilk w/nonfat milk)

Rela - doesn't like alcohol; Royal English Breakfast Tea (w/Milk)

Caleb - he rarely drinks alcohol; Bellini (peach puree & sparkling wine/Prosecco); Caffè Mocha (espresso, bittersweet mocha sauce & steamed milk)

Jasmine - Mudslide (vodka, coffee liqueur, Irish cream & heavy cream); Java Chip Frap (mocha sauce, choc chips, coffee & milk)

Rose - Shadow Woman (bourbon, pear brandy, honey & Angostura bitters); Honey Citrus Mint Tea (honey, hot water, steamed lemonade, peach herbal tea & Jade Citrus Mint green tea)

Zehara - Boozy Raspberry Italian Cream Soda (club soda, raspberry liqueur & heavy cream); NO STARBUCKS; green rooibos tea w/milk added

Naela - Sex on the Beach (vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry juice & orange juice); Apple Crisp Oatmilk Frap

Shayera - Hurricane (3x rum, grenadine, orange juice, simple syrup); Strawberry Açaí Refresher (white grape flavor, green coffee, freeze-dried strawberries)

Lan - Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso (wonder what THAT is); Havana Beach (white rum, ginger ale, pineapple juice, lime juice, sweet syrup)

[smaller-comfort]

Egg: over easy or scrambled hard with cheese, but eggs are great any which way

Steak: If I have to eat beef I'd rather have a burger.

Milk: absolutely not. If I'm making protein shakes I'll use flax milk, but I haven't done that in a while.

Alcohol: sour beers or a manhattan. Gin drinks are for summer.

Warm drink: black coffee in the morning, herbal/rooibos tea at night. (Did I start drinking Tension Tamer as a kid because there was a dragon on the box? You know it.)

[varchasspirit]

Global Gin Trends: How Different Regions Are Shaping the Future of Gin

The global gin market is experiencing a renaissance, with diverse regions playing a vital role in shaping its future. From Europe to Asia, and the Americas to Australia, each region brings its unique production methods, flavor profiles, and consumer preferences to the table. As this spirit continues to evolve, it is crucial to understand how these regional differences influence the gin industry on a global scale. Interestingly, the rise of premium spirits such as Dasara Gin has paralleled the growing interest in artisanal and craft gin from various regions. Moreover, Whiskey Distillers in the USA are also making waves in the gin space, blending traditional practices with innovative approaches to produce high-quality spirits.

Europe: The Traditional Powerhouse

Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, remains the gin capital of the world. London Dry Gin, a benchmark for quality, sets the standard with its juniper-forward flavor and crisp, dry finish. However, European gin producers have diversified their offerings. Spanish gin, for instance, is known for its bold use of botanicals like citrus, rosemary, and lavender, resulting in fresh and fragrant gins. Additionally, Mediterranean countries are embracing a more experimental approach, infusing gins with local ingredients such as olives and herbs. These variations in style have contributed to the rising popularity of gin in Europe and beyond.

Asia: Innovation Meets Tradition

Asia's contribution to the global gin market is growing rapidly. Japan, in particular, has garnered attention for its delicate and intricate gin, often featuring yuzu, green tea, and sakura (cherry blossoms) as key botanicals. Japanese gin’s minimalist yet precise approach is reflective of the country's culture and reverence for craftsmanship. On the other hand, India is emerging as a player in the gin industry, with a focus on native botanicals like cardamom, turmeric, and coriander. Gin brands like Dasara Gin from Shankar Distillers - Premium Whiskey Distillers, represent this trend, blending Indian spices with a smooth, refined base to cater to both domestic and global markets. The growing demand for locally-inspired gins in Asia underscores the importance of cultural identity in shaping flavor profiles.

The Americas: Craftsmanship and Creativity

In the Americas, the craft gin movement is flourishing. While the United States is known for its whiskey production, it has also embraced the gin revolution, with distilleries offering small-batch, artisan gins that emphasize quality and creativity. American gin distillers experiment with an array of botanicals, from traditional juniper to more unconventional ingredients like hibiscus, pine, and anise. Latin America, too, is beginning to make its mark, with countries like Brazil infusing gin with native ingredients such as açaí, yerba maté, and passion fruit. These regional twists on gin production showcase the diversity and innovation that is driving the growth of gin across the Americas.

Australia: Sustainability and Botanical Diversity

Australia has become a key player in the global gin scene, thanks to its rich botanical landscape and commitment to sustainability. Australian gins often incorporate native ingredients like finger lime, lemon myrtle, and Tasmanian pepperberry, creating a distinctive flavor profile that sets them apart from their European and American counterparts. Additionally, Australian distilleries are leading the charge in sustainable practices, focusing on eco-friendly production methods and reducing their environmental impact. This dedication to sustainability aligns with the global trend of conscious consumerism, where buyers increasingly seek brands that prioritize both quality and the environment.

Africa: A Growing Gin Scene

Africa is an emerging market for gin, with South Africa leading the charge. South African gins often feature indigenous botanicals such as rooibos, honeybush, and baobab, offering consumers a unique taste of the continent. The rise of gin in Africa is part of a broader trend towards premium spirits, as consumers seek out higher-quality options that reflect local culture and flavors. The African gin market is expected to continue growing, driven by a combination of innovation, tourism, and a burgeoning middle class.

Conclusion

The global gin industry is more dynamic than ever, with each region contributing its unique twist to this versatile spirit. From Europe's traditional styles to Asia’s botanically innovative gins, the diversity in production methods and flavors highlights how regional trends are shaping the future of gin. As the demand for premium spirits continues to rise, brands like Dasara Gin from Shankar Distillers - Premium Whiskey Distillers are playing a key role in expanding the market by embracing regional flavors while maintaining high-quality standards. Whether through sustainability in Australia or bold experimentation in the Americas, the future of gin is being molded by global influences, making it one of the most exciting spirits on the market today.

Useful Links

Rye whiskey recipes

Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Resources

[thegrandstoreofficial]

Top 5 Artisanal Gins to Try in South Africa

In recent years, the craft gin scene in South Africa has experienced a remarkable surge, with a myriad of distilleries showcasing their expertise in creating exquisite and distinctive blends. From classic London Dry Gin to innovative botanical infusions, the country boasts a diverse range of artisanal gins that cater to every palate. Whether you're a seasoned gin connoisseur or a curious newcomer, here are the top five artisanal gins that warrant a taste exploration:

The Grand Store's African Botanical Gin:

Situated amidst the picturesque landscapes of South Africa, The Grand Store has established itself as a beacon of artisanal excellence. Their African Botanical Gin is a true testament to the country's rich botanical heritage, featuring a harmonious blend of indigenous flora and traditional gin botanicals. With hints of rooibos, buchu, and citrus, this gin encapsulates the essence of South Africa's diverse landscape in every sip. Available for purchase online in South Africa, The Grand Store's African Botanical Gin promises a sensory journey like no other.

Cape Fynbos Gin by Buy Gin Brand Online:

Inspired by the unique flora of the Cape Floral Kingdom, Cape Fynbos Gin by Buy Gin Brand Online celebrates the essence of South Africa's natural abundance. Crafted with handpicked botanicals sourced from the fynbos-rich regions of the Western Cape, this gin offers a refreshing and aromatic experience. Infused with botanicals such as wild rosemary, buchu, and honeybush, each sip transports you to the untamed beauty of the South African wilderness. Available for purchase online, Cape Fynbos Gin is a must-have for gin enthusiasts seeking a taste of the country's botanical wonders.

Gin Online's Citrus Infusion:

For those craving a burst of citrusy freshness, Gin Online's Citrus Infusion delivers a zesty delight that tantalizes the taste buds. Blending premium gin with a vibrant medley of citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, this artisanal creation offers a refreshing twist on traditional gin. Perfect for sunny days and leisurely evenings, Gin Online's Citrus Infusion embodies the spirit of South Africa's sunny disposition. Available for purchase online, it's the ideal companion for laid-back gatherings and cocktail aficionados alike.

Western Cape Distillery's Signature Dry Gin:

Nestled in the heart of the Western Cape, Western Cape Distillery is renowned for its commitment to crafting exceptional gins that reflect the region's terroir. Their Signature Dry Gin is a timeless classic, meticulously distilled using a blend of traditional botanicals and locally sourced ingredients. With juniper at its core, complemented by hints of coriander, angelica root, and citrus peel, this gin strikes the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. Available for purchase online, Western Cape Distillery's Signature Dry Gin embodies the spirit of South African craftsmanship.

Karoo Crafted Gin by The Gin Collective:

Inspired by the rugged beauty of the Karoo landscape, Karoo Crafted Gin by The Gin Collective captures the essence of South Africa's vast and untamed wilderness. Distilled using a unique blend of botanicals sourced from the Karoo region, including wild lavender, citrus buchu, and aromatic herbs, this gin offers a sensory journey like no other. Each sip evokes memories of sprawling plains and endless skies, making it a true reflection of South Africa's natural splendor. Available for purchase online, Karoo Crafted Gin is a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of South Africa's craft gin movement.

The burgeoning craft gin scene in South Africa offers a plethora of options for discerning enthusiasts seeking an exceptional drinking experience. Whether you're drawn to botanical infusions, citrusy delights, or classic renditions, there's a gin to suit every taste preference. With the convenience of online purchasing through platforms like The Grand Store where you can Buy Gin Online, exploring the world of artisanal gins has never been easier. So why not embark on a flavor-filled journey and discover the unrivaled craftsmanship and creativity that South Africa has to offer?

Contact Us:

The Grand Store

Call on : +27765809522

Website : https://grandstore.co.za/

[laidir-yura15cbx]

Лайдиры 2-4 созывов. Галерея.

[keikakudori]

                               If one thing was certain about Aizen Sousuke, it was that he was never quite used to being addressed by his given name. Very few people used it; only four, to be exact, and out of the four, one of them no longer used it. But then, he had not used it for years. Still, it was true enough that the three senior most captains were the ones who would do just that and therefore, Aizen was only left to smile at the words which were directed to him, a smile tinged with a quiet weariness. Yes, a young captain and a senior one, but then he'd only been wearing the haori about twenty years now. Not a long time at all, truth be told, yet he had stepped up into the vacancy caused by the actions of Urahara Kisuke.

                               Or so the commonly held belief went, that was.

                               ❝ Ah, good afternoon, Unohana-taichou, ❞ he said with that sweetly pleasant smile that had made younger Shinigami flock to him like bees clustering around brightly colored flora. ❝ I actually did come by to ask for your help with a couple things. Regarding Gin, mainly. ❞

                               It wasn't the first time that he'd sought her help and it wouldn't be the last. He had often spoken with seated officers about being willing to try out experimental drugs or concoctions - most of which he had tried out on his own captain whenever he'd gotten ill or injured - but rarely had he ever spoken with her directly. Yet that had changed while he'd still worn the badge once the silver-haired boy that had seemed to turn into his shadow had arrived in his life. How many times had she been witness to him dragging a squirming, protesting Gin to the grounds of the Fourth by now? It was always an entertainment to be had during the period when those seasonal flus or colds would sweep through the Seireitei. Typically he was among the last to fall to those illnesses; for a child of the Rukongai, Aizen was surprisingly robust.

                               Yet her observation of how he never truly came willingly to this place was true enough too. The longest he'd been confined to the grounds of the Yonbantai had been in that month when his back had been left covered in burns. They had healed, for the most part, yet how the skin could still grow tight and itchy when the cold weather came upon them, such as it did now. But he wasn't going to bring that up. Working on applying lotion to the scar tissue did more or less work. But, ah--- yes. His reason for visiting.

                               Still, he bore that gentle, warm air to him which bespoke the compassion he exuded so easily. Seldom did he have a harsh word for the younger Shinigami that seemed to venerate him and more seldom did he show any hint of temper. Such was easily portrayed, even now. But it was true they were both beasts hiding behind their air of gentility. Aizen could feel it in his bones, had felt it from the moment he had first met her, that she was truly dangerous. But he did not seek to provoke. No, there was nothing of that air at all between them.

                               ❝ Yet, if you're offering tea, I certainly won't turn it down. I've found that I enjoy the warmer flavors during the wintertime; I've a quite lovely cinnamon rooibos blend that is excellent and might appeal if you would care to sample it at some point. But I will gladly accept green tea. ❞ If anything, he knew that she was likely to have the high quality matcha that he favored so well.

                               ❝ It's not urgent, but I was simply hoping to replenish the stock of medications that will probably help him out. I know that this is one of the times of year when he is most prone to getting sick. ❞

                               A strange request one might say, yet Aizen had found it easiest to keep such supplies on hand at his own division. It made it far easier for him to simply pin Gin down and shove those medications down his throat rather than expend the excess energy chasing him down and dragging him to the Fourth's compound and it was, equally, far less stressful.

                               ❝ But I shan't say no to sharing tea with you. ❞

肉雫唼 // @keikakudori​

❝ Sōsuke-san that is quite the look you have on your face. Is there something that I could help you with? ❞ The question feel with accusatory inflections. A kind smile soon followed her words; hands delicately clasped before her. ❝ Perhaps you are feeling under the weather. ❞ She remarked, head tilting to the side ever so lightly. She had lived entire lifetimes a criminal turned healer who had seen the creation of the gotei and those who stood as captains rise to prominence. 

A brief pause stopped her inquisition as her gaze studied him for a moment. ❝ What I mean is there must be something bothering you to come all this way to me. As memory serves, you are never the one to come here on your own willingly. ❞ Her words were spoken with experience — there was never a time in which she could recall him coming to the yonbantai without a need to, and generally speaking, that always had little to do with him. Nevertheless, her gaze narrowed slightly as she awaited his response. 

In all her years, he was one that she could never quite figure out. There was something about him that always prompted her to second guess his very nature though such suspicions were always kept hidden, much like the scar upon her chest. Her friendly disposition remained on her features, hiding away the monster that lurked beneath, locked away behind a cage made of bone. Then again, perhaps that was because she hid her true nature from everyone, so it was only normal for her to suspect that it could be said to be true about everyone — hiding away aspects of themselves they would rather keep hidden. There was nothing about him but compassion toward those around him. The kind of empathy that took Unohana almost a century to learn. 

A light hum fell from her lips. ❝ If there is no urgency or need for my skills, perhaps I should set some tea on. I trust that you have time for some tea. What are you drinking these days? ❞ She inquired after a moment. Despite her inkling towards distrust, she did respect him and his accomplishments within the seireitei. ❝ It has been quite some time since I have been joined for tea by another captain. ❞

[a-disaster-piece]

And then...when Tuesday necessitates gin & watermelon rooibos iced tea (+made fizzy by soda water), in your other favourite glass. This totally counts for #365teas, right? #gin #rooibos #tea #craftcocktails https://www.instagram.com/p/B5nxn3JATo9/?igshid=14f4hiki3tdoc

[cocktailpete]

Advertisement / reklame Todays tipple is a lovely sour where I used raspberry gin as the base 😋 pairred it up with a homemade tea syrup 🍵 lemon juice & liquorice bitters, and fluffy egg whites on top 🥚 enjoy The 🍹 Roseberry 60 ml raspberry gin 30 ml fresh organic lemon juice 25 ml homemade roseberry blues tea syrup (Rooibos, raspberry, strawberry & rose) Dash liquorice bitters Egg white Add all ingredients to a shaker and give it a hard shake 🕺 add ice and shake untill chilled ❄ double strain into a chilled glass ❄ garnish with dehydrated raspberries, liquorice stick and 💦 mist with absinthe Cheers 🥂 Skål #absinthe #raspberry #tea #rooibos #rose #eggwhite #liquorice #gin #ginspiration #instagin #ginlovers #instadrink #drinkswithfriends #drinkies #mixologyart #cocktailgram #nomnom #bebida #glass #tipple #garnish #cocktailphotography #properglassware #delicious #delish #drinkporn #glassware (her: Stockholm, Sweden) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcIkL11MCVL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ginobsessions]

Back in August I received an invite to the launch of a new gin, Brentingby.  It looked delicious, sounded delicious, there was only one problem, the launch event was being held on The Mother Figure’s birthday.  I played through a number of strategies in my head about the best way of approaching this.  The first and most logical thought would be to invite her along, the problem there being that she absolutely loathes gin.  (Yes I know, I know, I do often wonder if we are actually related!) After much deliberation I had worked out a game plan.

Brentingby Gin is distilled in Leicestershire, only about 20 minutes from where I grew up.  Brentingby Gin is the brainchild of Bruce Midgely who was born in South Africa, which is where mum spent some of her childhood growing up. (See where I’m going with this…) She will obviously think this is fate and won’t mind spending her birthday on her own.

To be honest, all I actually had to do was tell Mum that I’d been invited to the launch and she told me that I absolutely couldn’t miss it and insisted that I go.

Disaster averted, the 11th September came around pretty quickly, I donned my glad rags and headed off into London Town.  The launch was being held at Wolfpack which is close to Queens Park and I met the lovely Gin a Ding Ding at the station which made me feel much better, because as I walked up I must confess I did feel a tad overdressed.  Once inside and upstairs I completely relaxed.  The venue was cosy and inviting and despite being amongst the first to arrive, it wasn’t at all intimidating.  Another perk of arriving on time was being able to catch up with friends and having the opportunity to have a proper chat with the brains behind the drink.

Bruce Midgely comes from a background of working in oil and gas, a career which involved much time away from home and a rather hectic schedule.  Deciding it was time to wind things down a bit, Bruce turned to gin.  His theory was simple, if you’re not going to be the best then what’s the point in trying.  Not knowing too much about gin he applied his theory of being the best, and reached out to Tom Nichol, the former master distiller for Tanqueray, for some guidance.  In my mind you don’t really get much better than that!  To Bruce’s absolute delight, Tom agreed to come on board and the Brentinby dream started to become a reality.  Bruce talked about how he had designed and built his own 10 plate copper column still, Ayanda, and that he had in fact needed to cut a hole in his roof so that she would fit in the distillery.

“You ought to see it!”

“Well, I am actually going to be back home in a couple of weeks…” I replied. “You gotta swing by!”…mental note to self to tap him up for this visit!!

I must confess that I did get a little over excited when I managed to have a long chat with Tom Nichol himself, and I did geek out and ask for a selfie…well, if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

The launch, in my opinion, was wonderful.  There was a real buzz about the place and the gin was absolutely beautiful.  In true Tom Nichol style it features grapefruit as a botanical and you know how much I love my grapefruit.  Alongside the grapefruit, sit a number of other botanicals, including hibiscus, birch, orange peel and liquorice root.  Which together, create a very clean and thirst quenching drink which is juniper forward with a citrus twist.  This gin made a great G&T and some mean cocktails.  Bruce gave a speech, thanking everyone who had been involved and spoke of love, friendship and creating something British.  Envisaging Brentingby being enjoyed at the polo, under parasols and alongside the cucumber sandwiches.  Over the course of the evening I drank some utterly wonderful drinks and met some fabulous people, including Bruce’s gorgeous wife Sian.  As the evening began to descend into nonsense and silliness, I grabbed my goodie bag and headed off to catch the train home.

I got home and gushed to Hubby about the gin and the venue and catching up with my Gin Girls and meeting Tom Nichol and of course about how fabulous Bruce and Sian were and how Bruce and pretty much invited us to the distillery and then went to bed.

For many people, this is where the love affair might end, but not me.  Well, Bruce had said to swing by when I was up that way.  So the next day I dropped him and Sian a message, saying thanks for such a great evening and to see if they were actually free the weekend we were heading up.  THEY WERE!!

Brentingby Gin takes it’s name from the small village of Brentingby, where it is distilled, which is located just outside of Melton Mowbray.  Having grown up in Loughborough, I still have friends in the area so manage to pop back up every now and again.  Plans all firmed up I got a message from Bruce to confirm timings, it read…

“12:30 onwards suits us.  6 dogs, 5 geese, and 20 chickens await your arrival…and you can be one of the first to profile the Pink Gin.”

I was actually buzzing with excitement by the time the 2 weeks had passed and the Sunday finally arrived.  The village is utterly beautiful and Bruce and Sian’s home is stunning.  The distillery operates out of a smaller building on their grounds, but the house itself is a 14th Century church, complete with a tower.

When we arrived, we were indeed greeted by the 6 dogs and 20 chickens…and the ducks, and of course Bruce, who proudly showed us into the distillery.

A beautiful hand made, wooden bar sits at the front, with Ayanda standing resolute behind.  Bruce was in the process of trying to bottle up a rather large order, so the distillery was awash with the stunning Brentingby copper bottles and on top of the bar sat an Erlenmeyer flask of beautiful pink liquid.  Ever the perfect host, Bruce offered us both a gin, we were both really keen to see what Hubby thought as he hadn’t tried it before.  Hubby and I have very different tastes when it comes to our preferred gins, he tends to like ones which are more juniper forward, while I prefer more citrus or floral flavours, generally grapefruit unites us, so I anticipated that Brentingby would be well received.  I wasn’t wrong, Hubby absolutely loved the gin and immediately started asking Bruce a million questions, ones which I had pretty much already asked at the launch night.

While the boys were talking, my eyes were firmly on the pink, which I was desperate to try.  In order to distract myself I took a little wander around to have a look at the set up…and check out the hole in the ceiling.

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Nope, completely unable to wait any longer I headed back to my stool at the bar and picked up the flask of pink goodness.  The Brentingby Pink features rooibos and baobab and I was desperate to try some.  Bruce immediately grabbed a couple of glasses and told us that he was going to say nothing, just let us try and wait for our opinions.  Hubby absolutely loved the stuff neat, a really rich start with a touch of floral and then some sweetness to finish, the sweet actually took him quite by surprise as the hit came right at the very end and he made lots of “pow-ing” and “wow-ing” noises. I preferred mine with just a splash of tonic to open up all the flavours a little more.  Refreshing and lightly floral with a classic juniper feel.  In my opinion not your stereotypical pink gin, which I often find to be very heavy on either sweet, floral or berry.   Bruce had a little chuckle and said that our feedback was pretty much the split he had found so far, with many women having a similar reaction to me, while men reacted similarly to Hubby.  Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, Brentingby Pink is a fabulous addition to the Brentingby family, which is still growing…

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We had discussions about the Brentingby black bottle and what might be going into that and Hubby also took the opportunity to try some other Brentingby offerings, of which we were sworn to secrecy and can’t yet talk about!  After Sian arrived home, we’d had a catch up, Juniper had herded some geese and Bruce and Hubby had ignited a bromance, it was sadly time to leave.

The future is certainly looking bright for Brentingby Gin, the order they were filling when we were at the distillery was for Harvey Nichols and they are also already being stocked in bars across London, including Bluebird and The Oliver Conquest.   The Brentingby Pink was launched on the 1st October, just in time for Catford Gin Festival and it’s reception so far has been excellent.

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If London and Leicestershire are a little too far for you and you too want a Brentingby fix, then fear not, as it is also available online from Master of Malt.

I wish Bruce, Sian and Brentingby Gin every success, I absolutely love the stuff and cannot rate it highly enough…plus they are lovely people, and that’s got to count for something!  Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your own very special gin journey.

Brentingby Gin Back in August I received an invite to the launch of a new gin, Brentingby.  It looked delicious, sounded delicious, there was only one problem, the launch event was being held on The Mother Figure's birthday. 

[sapphicbump]

The Magician - Act 2

Contents: original content, w/w, cryptid (?) pregnancy, nb(?)preg, sexual & kink awakening Story written by my partner RoseVirage, uploaded with her consent. Proof Readers: Rahheemme & Doombeez

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Act 2

Rosemary

When they entered a cozy corner in the hotel’s lounge, Melodie guided Mary to a sofa. She gladly  followed her lead, her behavior was naturally confident, even dominant, in a very pleasant way. It made it easy for Mary to comply.

The Magician took a seat in front of her, now presenting her wondrous, yet intriguing body in full view.

Mary had to look away. Both to her delight and displeasure, the whole lounge was covered in mirrored walls (decorated with additional mirrors for good measure), so that the woman's reflection showed perfectly inside them, in many different perspectives, almost intentionally. Mary could take a good look at her without staring directly.

Melodie, however, was not ashamed to keep her eyes on Mary, in a poised way. 

“What can I get you?” she asked, completely ignoring the fact that Mary initiated the meetup.

“Any strong but sweet cocktail will do,” she answered, completely forgetting the fact herself.

The woman turned towards the waiter close to her and said, “Excuse me, garçon, one Golden Cadillac for the young lady here, and your Gin card, please.”

‘Garçon’, Mary thought. Not only was her look and car old fashioned, but her way of talking, too.

“I’m not a big fan of gin” Mary commented shyly. 

“That’s quite alright, love. I am.”

Mary stared at her in disbelief. She couldn’t help but to blatantly look at her clearly pregnant body after such a statement.

“Is something the matter?” Melodie asked, an amused look on her face.

Mary didn’t know how to react. She felt like a software that just faced an unknown error.

“But … you … shouldn’t you … not drink right now…?” she stuttered, confused.

“And why is that?” Melodie’s answer was relaxed, but curious and maybe a little provoking.

Mary started to sweat, glancing over to her presenting belly again, then in her face.

“I … Aren’t you … I mean ….”

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry if - I  … I, uh -”

Since there was music running in the background Mary wasn’t sure, but she thought she heard the Magician chuckle. She must have decided to not tortue Mary anymore, because she eventually said: “If it makes you feel better, I’ll gladly just take a cup of tea.”

Unable to answer, Mary just nodded, utterly confused. The woman didn’t act like she was pregnant at all, which made Mary think that she probably wasn’t - despite the huge, obvious evidence bulging out in front of her, that was equivalent to the body of a maybe a pregnant woman in her seventh or eighth month. Yet, Melodie did nothing to clear up any confusion. If anything, she seemed to be playing with Mary, and maybe even enjoying it. 

When the “Garçon” came back with that cocktail she had never heard of before and a drink menu, Melodie ordered a cup of rooibos tea, much to Mary's relief.

While the magician poured milk and sugar - a lot of sugar - into her cup, Mary took the chance to look at her again.

Could it really be that she was something like… just… bloated? Or maybe an illness? Maybe it was a prosthetic for shows of some sorts? But maybe, foremost, it was none of Mary’s business in the first place, and she should neither assume, nor interfere.

What… what was she doing here, anyway? What did she expect to happen? She clearly hadn’t been able to think straight since the moment she first saw the magician on stage.

She was a boring girl, nothing special about her. She was way too dutiful to be interesting. She was a no-name next to such a star. Not even her body was what most people would consider exciting, being small and neither thin nor muscular. All of the sudden, she felt like such a wallflower. A dumb one on top of that, for getting involved in such a situation.

“You are more special than you think,” Melodie commented quietly while pouring what must’ve been her 4th packet of sugar into the tea.

Mary looked at her in shock. This was the second time Melodie has reacted accordingly to Mary's thoughts. Now she was almost certain that the magician could read minds. 

Melodie raised her eyes and looked directly into Mary’s. Only now did she realize that they were of an intensely brown color, almost appearing red.

“You seem uncomfortable and insecure all of a sudden, unlike a moment before. Would you prefer we end our date now? My apologies if I have made you feel anything other than welcome.”

Date? Another shiver. Mary lifted her hands conciliatorily.

“No, it was nothing you did. You’re just … so stunning and amazing. I feel like a nobody.”

The magician’s face was struck with a sudden, afflicted look. She reached out and touched Mary's hand. Despite her wearing gloves, the contact felt intense and sent little bolts of lighting through Mary's nerve tracts.

“It pains me to hear that. Please, don’t let either my appearance nor my status be in our way of communication, or of your worth. I assure you, you are somebody very special.”

Her heart pounded so loud that Mary was afraid her companion would be able to hear it.

“How could a woman like you find me special…?”

To her regret, Melodie withdrew her hand. Though not in anger, but to take a sip of her sugary milk with a hint of tea.

“A woman?" she asked interestedly.

Mary froze. 

“Very peculiar. Most women see me as a man.”

The gears in Mary’s head seemed jammed and unable to properly process that new information. But despite being still overwhelmed by the situation, and much to her own surprise, she found the words to riposte: “So you see me as a woman, too?” 

“Touché,” Melodie said, smiling approvingly. “So would you prefer me to not see you as a woman?”

Something about the magician calling her “a woman” made Mary crave for… something. It touched her, again in a way she didn’t fully understand. She wanted to be a woman, for her, more than anything.

“Please do,” she answered. Maybe a touch too demanding. “And… how should I refer to you, then…?” she quickly added.

“Whatever you want. I don’t care much about gender, my dear." Melodie answered. “I am whatever you want me to be. If you see me as a woman, then by all means, do so. It’s quite interesting, to be frank.”

Mary stared at the magician. What a strange mindset. But… how could somebody think of her as a man? Sure, she had a rather deep voice. And she was in a showbiz genre almost entirely dominated by men. She wore typical male clothes, no make-up, and now that she thought about it, she did seem to have a very small bust, if any at all. In fact… now that Mary stopped and looked, really looked, there were many hints that could make people think of her as a man. Actually, the only thing that was explicitly feminine about her was her haircut: a short, greyish-brown bob. But what about her belly? Or… might it be that it was actually some sort of, well… potbelly, like some men have? That would explain at least her - or his, or their - strange behavior.

“I see that you need a bit of time to mull things over. So I propose that we end our date." Melodie gently observed. Maybe it was a trick to the ear or mind, but her - his? - voice sounded more femine to Mary all of a sudden.

Her heart sank. She was indeed overwhelmed, but not ready to let go of the Magician yet, probably to never see her again. See him again. Damn it, this was confusing.

“...To pick it up again at another time, if you’re willing,.” Melodie added.

Mary’s eyes lit up at the suggestion.

“Yes, please.”

Melodie nodded. “It would be my honor. How about next Sunday, if you’re still in Vegas? Though I have one demand.” She looked at her, and the stern look on her face indicated that what she was about to say was important. “Promise me to not feel anything other than worthwhile and important because of me. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself.”

“I promise,” Mary answered, and to her surprise, she meant it.

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If you enjoyed this and want to read more (there are 11 acts right now, a new act will be posted every week) you can find it on my 🟠 P★treon!! Starting on the Tier 3+.