In the ever-evolving landscape of Plymouth few companies have the enduring legacy and historical significance of Plymouth Gin.
Founded in 1793 amidst the backdrop of naval expansion and shifting drinking habits, Plymouth Gin stands as a testament to tradition and craftsmanship by being one of the few remaining 18th century gins. In this exclusive interview with Sean Harrison, the Master Distiller of Plymouth Gin, we delve into the rich history, unique production methods, and future prospects of this iconic spirit.
Harrison traces the origins of Plymouth Gin back to a pivotal moment in history when the Royal Navy’s expansion during the late 18th century presented a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurial ventures.
“Why 1793? It was a business opportunity, because the Royal Navy was getting bigger due to the war with Napoleon and Thomas Coates, the then founder, basically recognized a business opportunity.”
With the establishment of the gin distillery in 1793, the spirit became intertwined with the maritime culture of the era, earning its place as one of the oldest gins in the UK.
“The creation of Plymouth Gin also coincided with two other really important events that were happening at the time. One is the invention of the word cocktail, which is give or take around about 1800. And the other one really has to do with the drinking habits of the nation. At the time we became gin drinkers in the late part of the 1700s.”
Over the centuries, Plymouth Gin has witnessed the ebb and flow of global trends, from the rise of cocktail culture to the dominance of vodka in the post-World War II era.
“Unfortunately for gin, the Second World War happened. That really changed the landscape for the gin industry and when we came out of the Second World War vodka became a dominant white spirit and vodka sales went up and gin sales went down.”
As Sean notes, the resurgence of gin in recent decades has propelled Plymouth Gin to the forefront of the craft spirits movement, with its distinct flavor profile and historical pedigree captivating consumers worldwide.
“For the last 25 years, gin has been on a resurgence and that’s why we always talk about the latest gin craze and how we’ve gone from having probably 20 gins brands in the world to having 2000 Gins in the world and Plymouth Gin is really in the forefront of that craze”
At the heart of Plymouth Gin’s success lies its meticulously crafted recipe and production process. Sean provides insight into the selection of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, citrus peels and angelica root which imbue the spirit with its signature flavor profile. The distillation process, conducted in a traditional pot still dating back over a century, ensures a balanced and nuanced gin that stands apart from its counterparts.
“We have some very nice, gentle citrus notes at the beginning. The heart of the gin is very much juniper and coriander. And then the final part of the gin is quite earthy and dry.”
Looking ahead, Harrison acknowledges the challenges posed by a maturing gin market but remains optimistic about Plymouth Gin’s future. With a focus on expanding into new markets and reaffirming its status as a timeless classic, Plymouth Gin is poised to continue its legacy for generations to come. As consumer preferences evolve, Plymouth Gin remains a steadfast beacon of tradition and quality in an ever-changing industry landscape.
“So the gin boom bubble is just about burst, which means that the market is flattening out. There are challenges to that. But that’s in the UK, and Plymouth Gin is a global brand. The challenge over the next few years is to get the brand into places where they might not have heard of Plymouth”
In an era defined by innovation and disruption, Plymouth Gin stands as a beacon of tradition and craftsmanship. From its storied origins in the 18th century to its global prominence in the 21st century, Plymouth Gin remains a symbol of excellence and authenticity. As people seek out experiences that evoke a sense of history and heritage especially within the cobblestones of the Barbican, Plymouth Gin remains a steadfast brand, inviting them to savor the rich flavors and storied legacy of this iconic spirit.
To book a tour with Plymouth Gin and learn more about its history you can book a tour through their website: www.plymouthdistillery.com/tours
