The Man: Me. The Plan: London. The Drink: Anything containing even the slightest trace of juniper. What better land (or shire, as they say), than that where this potent elixir came to fame - the lovely isle across the pond where our fond Professor began his life. Now it's his student's turn to explore the motherland and all the bounties she has to offer.

As I was being driven to my lovely boutique hotel on the Haymarket, accompanied by Jackson, Bar Manager at Eastern Standard in Boston, MA, I began to invoke my inner Dutchman. After all, the first documented appearance of this spirit was in Holland in 1580. When this initial invocation seemed to be failing miserably, in part because I noticed Jackson watching me through his dark-rimmed glasses like I had three heads, I switched gears to the British mercenaries, who coined the term, "Dutch Courage." In drinking Gin out of the small earthenware viles that were available to them, these mercenaries thought that they'd become more courageous. Courageous, perhaps. Hungover and quizzy, more likely.

Now there's a man who's serious about his craft.

My first stop on this Gin-scapade, was the tall, rocket-like infrastructure in the middle of London's busiest financial district. Some call it 'the Gherkin building.' I think it more like a Kosher Dill, but that's just me. The top floor has 360 degree views of a cloudy, drizzly London that was with me for this entire journey. No surprise - a glorious Fall day in the middle of August. What brought light to an otherwise dreary day was a pairing of some of the best gin cocktails created by our host Jamie Walker, alongside some of the best fare in London.

Myself, Jamie Walker, and Jackson enjoying each other's company at the "Bombay Sapphire Experience" So happy are we.

A spoiled lad I was, for a trip to Borough Market, an area sometimes compared to NYC's Meatpacking District, was to follow. Mr. Jamie Walker, bartender, comedian, actor, jack-of-all-trades, global brand ambassador, met us once again. He demonstrated various cocktails made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, the one in the fancy blue bottle. One of which made me all giddy inside. I've recently been on an Aviation cocktail kick, and Jamie satisfied my urge by making one, just by happenstance. He quickly earned kudos with me.

Gilles (from Bacardi USA), Jacqueline (from Deussen Global), and Tara (from Newsweek), enjoying the copter ride. Which one of these three didn't make it out without getting sick?

Ever taken a helicopter ride before? Well, kinda feels like being on *Mash,* but without the worry of impending artillery fire dampening your day. We were treated to a journey out to Oxford, land of the studious and intelligent, where lots of words and their meanings and stuff were once compiled into a large book. Our bellies were aching for sustenance, although for some a meal solely of Gin would have sufficed. Boy were we in for a treat. The grounds of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, a Relais-Chateaux property, rivaled that of any European castle or manor home. A tour of this culinary mecca's gardens would excite any bartender, and it did this one. Fresh lemongrass, thyme, Japanese mint, you name it - some of the best ingredients available to cook with and to mix cocktails with.

Later that evening, Jack and I giddily followed our companions to Fifty, where the honorable Salvatore Calabrese is in charge of the beverage program. It was just our luck that he was on holiday. What makes him think that he can go on holiday? Our thirsty souls needed fulfillment. We were in luck. Like a superhero saving a young nymph from atop a skyscraper, Raffaello Dante, Fifty's Bar Manager, was there to mix up our drinks. Thanks Raf, we owe you one, or twelve.

Ago at Montgomery Place hard at work. Nifty suspenders!

One of Ago's Singapore Slings

What's with all the Italian's in London bars? First Salvatore, then Raffaelo, and now Ago Perrone, head bartender at Montgomery Place, a hip, new cocktail lounge in the posh Notting Hill section. This place had a distinct New York cocktail lounge feel to it. I felt right at home with the huge selection of Bourbons and Ryes, and the unmarked bottles of syrups and potions lurking on the back bar. Ago made us a round of Singapore Slings, which rivaled any I had tasted.

The legendary American Bar at the Savoy Hotel was next. For those who don't know, one of the fathers of cocktailing, Harry Craddock, took over as bar manager here in the 1920's, when most of the talented barmen of the USA were forced out of the states during prohibition. The sultry piano tunes and dim lighting certainly created an early 20th Century vibe. Not only were there black and white photos of aging rockers such as Mick Jagger on the walls (this seemed slightly out of place), but there were real life aging rockers swarming all around us. There happen to be the entire crew of the Rolling Stones, (whose combined ages rival that of our national debt), drinking away after a concert in town. I wasn't paying attention to what they were all drinking. But I bet Mick drinks gin.