Plymouth gin is a premium gin produced in the English city of Plymouth, Devon. It is made in a unique and traditional manner, involving the use of three copper “stills” (or kettles) to produce a distinct flavor. The gin is made with a blend of seven botanicals, including juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root and orris root.
The process of making Plymouth gin begins with the creation of an “alcohol wash” that has been fermented from a mix of malted barley and corn. This mixture is then heated up in the first copper still to produce the “low wines”. The low wines are then distilled in the second still to create the “high wines”, which are then redistilled for a third time in the final still. The vaporized alcohol produced from this process comes off as Plymouth gin.
Finally, after being distilled three times and vapour-infused with botanicals, it is ready to be bottled and sold.Plymouth Gin is a gin brand produced by the Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, England. It is produced in a style that dates back to 1689 and is now one of the oldest continuously produced spirits in the world. The gin has been owned by several companies since its inception, including French spirits producer Pernod Ricard and the current owners, UK drinks giant Diageo.
The original recipe for Plymouth Gin was created by Reverend William Fox and Thomas Coates at the Black Friars Monastery in 1793. The recipe used juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orange peel and liquorice root to create a gin that had a softer flavor than many of its London dry counterparts. It was also one of the first gins to be bottled at proof strength (43% ABV), as opposed to being diluted with water after distillation.
Plymouth Gin quickly gained popularity among sailors and by 1840 it was exported around the world. In 1883 it received a Royal Warrant from King Edward VII, cementing its reputation as one of England’s finest gins. It has since become a staple in many bars around the world and continues to be enjoyed today as an integral part of classic cocktails such as the Aviation and Gimlet.
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Distillation Process of Plymouth Gin
The distillation process for Plymouth Gin is a unique and complex process that has been perfected by generations of distillers. The process begins with the selection of the finest, locally-sourced juniper berries and other botanicals. The botanicals are then macerated in pure grain alcohol to extract their essential oils and flavors. This maceration is left to steep for several hours before the distillation process begins.
The gin is distilled in traditional copper pot stills, which have been used for more than 250 years. During this time, the spirit passes through multiple chambers in order to ensure that only the highest quality components make it into the final product. The vapors pass through a coolant which condenses them back into liquid form and captures some of the subtle aromas and flavors of the botanicals.
Once the gin has been distilled, it is blended with natural spring water from Dartmoor National Park to reduce its alcohol content and bring out its smooth character. Finally, it is bottled at 43% ABV, a strength that has remained unchanged since 1793 when Plymouth Gin was first produced.
Plymouth Gin’s unique distillation process ensures that each bottle contains only the purest flavors and aromas from its premium selection of botanicals. Its traditional copper pot stills produce a smooth, aromatic spirit with a distinct character that is unmistakably Plymouth Gin.
Ingredients Used to Make Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin is a special gin made using a secret blend of seven botanicals. The seven botanicals used to make Plymouth Gin are juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, orris root, sweet orange peel, cassia bark and licorice root. Juniper berries are the main ingredient and provide the gin’s distinctive flavor. Coriander adds a warm, spicy flavor and is often found in many other gins. Angelica root gives the gin a sweet flavor and adds depth to the overall taste. Orris root provides an earthy taste and provides a smoothness to the gin. Sweet orange peel adds a hint of citrus and brings out some of the other flavors in the gin. Cassia bark provides an aromatic scent that helps balance out all of the flavors in Plymouth Gin. Lastly, licorice root gives Plymouth Gin its unique sweetness while also providing an earthy undertone.
Combined with pure grain spirit, these seven botanicals create a distinctive flavor that has been described as “dry” with notes of juniper, citrus and spice. This combination makes Plymouth Gin one of the most popular gins on the market today. It is often used as an ingredient in many classic cocktails like the Negroni or Martini due to its distinct flavor profile that stands out from other gins on the market.
The Art of Blending for Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin is an iconic spirit, made with a unique blend of seven botanicals. The art of blending these botanicals with the purest English grain spirits to create the perfect gin is a skill that has been passed down through generations. Every batch of Plymouth Gin is crafted by master distillers, who use traditional methods to create the perfect balance between juniper, coriander and lemon peel before adding the final touches.
The process begins with the selection and blending of each botanical. The selection process is crucial to ensure that only the finest ingredients are used in creating Plymouth Gin’s distinctive flavor profile. Once selected, the botanicals are slowly macerated in high-proof grain spirits overnight, allowing them to infuse their flavors into the spirit.
Next, the distillers will use traditional copper pot stills to carefully distill each botanical individually. This allows them to capture and preserve all of their unique flavors while maintaining balance and consistency throughout each batch. Finally, the individual distillates are blended together to create a unique flavor profile that is quintessentially Plymouth Gin.
The art of blending for Plymouth Gin isn’t just about creating a delicious spirit; it’s about preserving a centuries-old tradition that has been passed down through generations. Every batch is crafted with precision and care by experienced distillers who understand what it takes to make a truly great gin. The result is an iconic spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries and will continue to be enjoyed for centuries more!
Aging and Bottling of Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin is renowned for its distinctive flavor, which is attributed to the unique aging and bottling process that has been developed over centuries. The aging process occurs in oak casks, which give the gin a smooth taste and a subtle hint of oak. The gin is then filtered through sustainable charcoal before it is bottled in an iconic bottle designed to honor the long-standing tradition of the distillery.
The traditional bottling process begins with the selection of a special bottle that has been tested for its ability to preserve the flavor and aroma of the gin. The bottles are then filled with gin, sealed, and labeled with unique markings that allow customers to identify it as genuine Plymouth Gin. Finally, each bottle is inspected by hand to ensure that it meets quality standards before it is shipped out.
The process of aging and bottling Plymouth Gin has remained unchanged for centuries and has allowed the distillery to produce a consistent product that meets the highest standards of quality. This attention to detail has earned Plymouth Gin its reputation as one of the best gins in the world, making it a favorite among gin aficionados around the globe.
Types of Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin is a unique and traditional spirit made in Plymouth, England since 1793. It is an iconic gin, renowned for its distinctive flavor and botanical-rich aroma. The three main types of Plymouth Gin available today include Navy Strength, Original Dry and Sloe.
Navy Strength is the strongest type of Plymouth Gin, with an ABV of 57%. It has a powerful flavor profile featuring juniper and citrus notes. This type of gin was originally created to fortify British sailors on long voyages at sea.
Original Dry is the original style of Plymouth Gin and has an ABV of 40%. This type of gin has a classic taste with herbal notes such as rosemary and thyme. It is ideal for crafting classic cocktails such as the Martini or Gimlet.
Sloe Gin is the sweetest type of Plymouth Gin with an ABV of 29%. It has a fruity flavor due to its infusion with sloe berries from the blackthorn bush. This type of gin makes an excellent addition to any cocktail or as a sipping spirit served neat or over ice.
Health Benefits of Drinking Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin has long been known for its remarkably smooth and distinctive taste. But did you know that it also has some health benefits too? That’s right, drinking this tasty spirit can actually have some positive effects on your overall health and wellbeing. Here are just a few of the potential benefits:
- Improved digestion: The botanicals used in the distillation process, such as juniper and angelica root, can help to aid digestion and reduce bloating.
- Boosted Immunity: Plymouth gin contains high levels of vitamins B1 and B6 which help to boost the immune system.
- Reduced Stress: The juniper berries used in production are thought to have stress-reducing properties.
In addition to these health benefits, there is also evidence that drinking gin in moderation can be beneficial for heart health. Studies have shown that moderate drinkers have a lower risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and other heart problems when compared to non-drinkers. Furthermore, it has been suggested that regular consumption of gin may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
So next time you’re in the mood for a drink, why not reach for a glass of Plymouth gin? Not only will it taste great, but you may also be doing something good for your health too. Enjoy responsibly!
Popular Cocktails Made with Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin is a classic London dry gin, infused with natural botanicals. It’s a popular choice for gin-based cocktails, and there are many delicious recipes to try. From the classic G&T to more complex creations, here are some of the most popular cocktails made with Plymouth Gin:
Gimlet: The Gimlet is a simple yet refreshing cocktail made with Plymouth Gin, lime juice and simple syrup. Shake all the ingredients together in a shaker and serve over ice.
Negroni: The Negroni is an Italian classic that has been around for hundreds of years. It’s made with equal parts Plymouth Gin, Campari and sweet vermouth stirred together in a glass filled with ice cubes.
Martini: A Martini is a classic cocktail that has been around since the 19th century. It’s made with Plymouth Gin, dry vermouth and a few drops of orange bitters served straight up or on the rocks.
French 75: The French 75 is an easy yet sophisticated cocktail made with Plymouth Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and Champagne. Shake all the ingredients except for the Champagne in a shaker filled with ice cubes and strain into a glass. Top it off with chilled Champagne and garnish with an orange slice or lemon twist.
Last Word: The Last Word is an old-fashioned cocktail that was first invented in Detroit in 1922. It’s made with equal parts Plymouth Gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and fresh lime juice. Shake all the ingredients together in a shaker filled with ice cubes and strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
No matter which cocktail you choose to make, you can be sure that any drink made using Plymouth Gin will be sure to please your taste buds!
Conclusion
Plymouth Gin is made with a focus on maintaining traditional production methods. The process begins with the careful selection of grains that are sourced from local farms, which are then milled and mixed to create a mash. The mash is fermented and distilled in traditional pot stills and rectifiers, before being cut to proof with pure Plymouth water. Finally, the finished gin is allowed to rest in large tanks for at least three months before it can be bottled.
This multi-step process ensures that the distinctive flavor of Plymouth Gin is maintained from batch to batch, making it one of the most recognizable gins on the market today. With its long history and unique production methods, Plymouth Gin has earned a reputation as an iconic spirit that is loved around the world.
In conclusion, Plymouth Gin’s production methods have been carefully refined over centuries to ensure its signature flavor remains consistent between batches. This dedication to craftsmanship has earned it a place among some of the world’s most beloved spirits and has made it one of the most recognizable gins on the market today.
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