The history of British gin is a tale as rich and tantalising as the myriad of flavours the spirit itself possesses. It’s a story intricately woven into the fabric of London’s culture. Ranging from the gin-soaked ‘Gin Lane’ of 18th Century William Hogarth’s sketches to the trendy gin bars of 21st Century Shoreditch, this liquor has played a pivotal role in shaping this city’s social and economic landscape. But where can you, as guests, dive into this thrilling history? Where can you explore the making of gin, participate in tastings, and learn to prepare world-class cocktails? We are talking about an interactive, immersive, and intoxicating experience – a gin distillery tour.
Discover London’s Gin Distilleries
A distillery tour is not just about tasting gin, it’s about immersing yourself in the very essence of this spirit. It’s a chance to learn about gin’s rich history, its complex manufacturing process, and to appreciate the craftspeople behind your favourite brands. London, with a long-standing relationship with gin, is home to several distilleries, each with its own unique story and production techniques.
Here, guests can take part in an engrossing tour, learning about the intricate process of gin making, from the selection of botanicals to the distillation process. Whether you are a gin connoisseur or a curious traveller, these tours offer an eye-opening insight into the world of gin. Some distilleries even offer a ‘Gin School’ experience where you can craft your own unique gin, guided by the distillery’s expert teams. Now, let’s explore some of the places in London where you can book such an enlightening experience.
Beefeater Gin Distillery
The Beefeater Distillery, one of the oldest gin producers in the city, offers a comprehensive tour. Here, you’ll learn about the history of gin in London, understand the Beefeater brand’s compelling story, and get a first-hand look at the gin-making process. The Beefeater tour is not just about knowledge; it’s about experience. As part of the tour, you will be invited to a complimentary gin and tonic tasting. This allows you to appreciate the carefully balanced botanicals that give Beefeater its distinctive flavour.
The Beefeater Gin School is another highlight. It’s a hands-on workshop where you can don your distiller’s hat and create your very own gin. It’s an opportunity to learn, experiment, and be part of a centuries-old craft.
City of London Distillery
Located in the heart of the city, the City of London Distillery is a standout for its intimate and immersive experience. Here, the history of gin in London is brought to life in a much more personal way. Guests are not just visitors; they are part of the distillery for the time of their tour.
The tour explores the history and resurgence of gin in London, introduces guests to the distillation process, and ends with a tasting session. The distillery also offers a Gin Lab Experience, where guests can create their own gin. With a selection of over 30 botanicals to choose from, it’s an experience that celebrates the diversity and complexity of gin.
Meet the Modern Day Gin Makers
While these historic distilleries offer a sense of the past, a range of new distilleries are bringing a modern twist to the centuries-old craft. These venues offer an insight into the future of gin-making while still honouring the deep-rooted traditions of the past. Distilleries such as the East London Liquor Company and Sipsmith epitomise this trend. Here, you will learn about the innovation in gin-making and taste some truly unique gins.
Gin Making Workshops
For those who want to delve deeper into the world of gin, participating in a gin-making workshop is an enlightening experience. Workshops, such as those offered by the Ginstitute and the Sacred Gin School, provide a more interactive and comprehensive understanding of gin. Here, you can develop a gin from scratch, learning about the intricacies of flavour profiles, botanicals, and the art of distillation. It’s a hands-on experience that not only educates but also entertains.
The gin scene in London is oozing with opportunities to learn about this time-honoured spirit. Whether taking a tour of an esteemed distillery, creating your own unique bottle in a gin school, or simply enjoying a free tasting session, London’s gin scene offers a remarkable journey into the world of British gin.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery and Beyond
Moving outside of London, the West Midlands and surrounding areas also offer a compelling journey into the world of British gin. The Bombay Sapphire Distillery, nestled in the beautiful Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, is a must-visit. Here, guests can embark on a guided tour that takes them through the gin’s rich heritage and the award-winning sustainability measures the distillery employs.
The tour includes the iconic Glasshouses where the ten botanicals infused in each bottle of gin are grown. It also includes the Dakin Still House, where you can witness the vapour infusion process that imparts the distinctive flavour to Bombay Sapphire. The tour concludes with a cocktail masterclass at the Mill Bar, which serves an array of gin cocktails inspired by the botanicals used in their gin.
A little further north, in the West Midlands, you’ll find another hidden gem: the Chase Distillery. Known for their field-to-bottle approach, they grow, mash, ferment, and distil their own raw materials to craft a range of spirits, including their award-winning gin. A distillery tour with Chase offers an in-depth look at their unique production process, coupled with a gin tasting experience that’s sure to delight.
Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or simply a curious traveller, the UK offers a wealth of experiences to immerse yourself in the history of gin and the art of gin making. From distillery tours to gin making workshops, there are countless opportunities to learn about the intricacies of this cherished spirit.
Visit the revered Beefeater Distillery in London, create your own bottle of gin at the Gin School, or venture beyond the city to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Each visit provides a unique insight into the past, present, and future of British gin. Dive deeper into the world of gin, explore its rich history, learn about the fascinating distillation process, and enjoy an exquisite gin tasting experience.
Embrace the opportunity to create your very own gin, guided by experienced distillers. It’s not just a chance to learn about gin, but also to be part of its history and its future. From food and drink enthusiasts to history buffs and everyone in between, a gin journey in the UK is a unique and rewarding experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and a whole lot of flavour.
So next time you’re in the UK, make sure to add a gin distillery visit to your to-do list. It’s not just about learning the history of gin; it’s about living it. Sign up for a distillery tour, roll up your sleeves in a gin making workshop, and immerse yourself in a truly British gin experience. Cheers to that!
