PLYMOUTH GIN

Method: Distilled Gin
Name: Plymouth
Country: United Kingdom
Producer: Black Friars Distillery
Serving temperature: 6 ° - 8 ° C
Alcoholic content: 41.2% vol.
Format: 70 CL

Botanicals: Lemon peel, Orange peel, Cardamom, Coriander, Juniper powder, Iris root, Angelica root

The Plymouth Gin Distillery, known as Black Friars Distillery, is the oldest still functioning distillery in England and the only one still present in the city of Plymouth, built on the site of a Dominican monastery from 1431. The building became a prison and then, in 1793, a distillery, but spirits were produced there as early as 1690. Plymouth gin is simultaneously the name of the gin and the style of gin, which by law can only be produced in Plymouth. It was the only English IGP gin (protected geographical indication), but it renounced the wording. The antique bottles of Plymouth gin bore the image of one of the friars inside the label on the back. It was said that when the monk's feet went dry it was time for a new bottle! Unfortunately in 2006 the bottle was redesigned in Art Deco style and the image of the monks was replaced with the Mayflower ship, which recalls the story that the ship's pilgrims spent their last night before leaving for America in the monastery of Plymouth. Desmond Payne, the current Beefeater master distiller, held the same role at the Plymouth distillery for many years.

Since 1793 it has been distilled from a unique blend of 7 botanicals, Dartmore water and pure grain alcohol. The still used has been the same for about 200 years. Its characteristic is to have a shorter neck than usual and the outlet duct is bent more rigidly. The Master Distillers of Black Friars are convinced that this is a determining factor for the flavor of Plymouth and for this reason they are reluctant to alter the still although this would increase its efficiency.

On the nose Plymouth Gin impresses with its rich and fresh juniper aroma, followed by lighter notes of coriander and cardamom. On the palate it is decidedly soft and full-bodied, with an almost creamy consistency. A slight sweetness is balanced by the notes of juniper and the freshness of citrus. The finish is long and very fresh.