Samples of a new gin recently came in at the office, and I took a bottle home to try (some things just can’t be taste-tested in the office). I had a gin and tonic in mind, but found the fridge tonic-less. So I ended up with a double old-fashioned glass of ice, a jigger of New Amsterdam Gin, a splash of lime juice, and dash of bitters. Very refreshing. Yet the most surprising discovery was that New Amsterdam is made by Ernest & Julio Gallo. Yes, Gallo, the 75-year-old California company long known for jug wines. Seems the family-owned company is expanding into the liquor cabinet, having introduced New Amsterdam and planning to bring a 100% agave tequila to market this year.