As we tiptoed down the wooden stairs in central London and peeked into a dimly-lit speakeasy-style bar, my friends and I wondered what we were in for. We’d booked in for the Evolution of Gin Tasting Tour at City of London Distillery but aside from the obvious beverage, had little idea of what the evening held. We were quickly welcomed to the bar and set at ease with a refreshing CoLD g&t, and with that we soon relaxed!
Some of the 200+ gins available at the bar
Before long it was time to wander past the gleaming copper still and take our places at one of the long wooden tables as barman Michael enlightened us on the fascinating history and evolution of gin. From the distillation process to the origins of the modern beverage in Holland, to it becoming infamous as “mother’s ruin” in England and heavily policed, gin has certainly had a turbulent time of it!
Along the way we tried five very different styles, as Michael explained how the variety of ingredients and style of distillation created the variety of flavours. I’m not a gin connoisseur so I was intrigued by how different the tastes were – and what I liked and didn’t! I learnt that I like the cleaner styles with less ingredients over more modern herbaceous styles – knowledge which I have since put to good use in a bar. Michael enlightened us on some of the trends of the drinking industry, and the resurgence of gin as a tipple of choice.
One of our samples – and a juniper berry!
When the City of London Distillery opened in 2012 it was the first gin distillery to operate within the City in 200 years. Gin’s popularity is now sharply on the rise again, and whether you’re an occasional drinker like myself or can tell your Old Tom from your Hendricks, I highly recommend popping in. As well as the distillery and tasting tours, you can bottle your own, or just go for a casual g&t from their huge selection – the knowledgeable bartenders will happily find something to your taste!
For more information on the City of London Distillery, click here
Are you a gin fanatic or do you have a different tipple of choice? Have you ever done a tasting?