Plymouth gin is a brand of gin that has been produced in Plymouth, England since 1793. It is made using a unique blend of botanicals which gives it a slightly sweeter taste than traditional gin.
One of the characteristics of Plymouth gin is that it has a distinctively smooth, mellow and creamy taste, it’s a bit sweeter than London dry gin, with a hint of citrus and juniper. Plymouth gin is known for its floral notes and a balance between the juniper and the other botanicals that are used in the production process. Its recipe is protected by a geographical indication, meaning that it can only be called Plymouth gin if it’s produced in Plymouth.
Many gin enthusiasts consider Plymouth gin as a premium gin, it’s known for its high quality and smooth taste which makes it a great option for a gin and tonic or a martini. It’s also considered a great option for cocktails that call for a sweeter gin, like the breakfast martini.
Overall, Plymouth gin is a premium gin with a distinct taste, it’s a great option for gin enthusiasts looking for a sweeter gin option and also for those who enjoy experimenting with different gin brands.
Plymouth Gin History
Plymouth gin is a brand of gin that has been produced in Plymouth, England since 1793. The brand was created by the Coates family who established the Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth. The distillery was built on the site of a former Dominican monastery, which gave the gin its name “Black Friars Distilled Gin” and it’s been known as Plymouth gin ever since.
Plymouth gin is known for its unique blend of botanicals which gives it a slightly sweeter taste than traditional gin. The recipe for Plymouth gin is protected by a geographical indication, meaning that it can only be called Plymouth gin if it’s produced in Plymouth. It’s believed that the recipe was developed by the Coates family and has been passed down through generations.
During the 19th century, Plymouth gin was a popular drink among sailors, as it was considered to be a remedy against scurvy, a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C. As a result, Plymouth gin was considered as a requirement on British navy ships.
During the 20th century, Plymouth gin faced competition from other gin brands and struggled to maintain its market share. However, in the 1990s, the brand was acquired by the Langley Distillery, which invested in a new distillation process, improved the branding and packaging, and increased the distribution.
Today, Plymouth gin is considered a premium gin, known for its high quality and smooth taste, it’s a great option for gin enthusiasts looking for a sweeter gin option and also for those who enjoy experimenting with different gin brands.
Plymouth Gin Cocktails
Plymouth gin is a premium gin known for its unique blend of botanicals which gives it a slightly sweeter taste than traditional gin. Here are some popular cocktail recipes that feature Plymouth gin:
- Gin and Tonic: This classic cocktail is made with gin, tonic water, and a lime wedge. It’s a simple and refreshing drink that allows the unique taste of Plymouth gin to shine through.
- Gin Martini: This classic cocktail is made with gin and dry vermouth, it’s a smooth and sophisticated drink. Plymouth gin’s sweetness can balance the dryness of vermouth, making it a great option for a martini.
- Gin Sour: This cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white. It’s a tangy and frothy drink, the sweetness of Plymouth gin blends well with the sourness of lemon juice.
- Gin Fizz: This cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. It’s a light and refreshing drink that’s perfect for summer.
- Negroni: This classic cocktail is made with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. It’s a bitter and strong drink, Plymouth gin’s sweetness can balance the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of vermouth.
- Daisy: This cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and grenadine. It’s a sweet and fruity drink.
These are just a few examples of the many cocktails that can be made with Plymouth gin. Its slightly sweeter taste makes it a great option for cocktails that call for a sweeter gin, but it can also be used in traditional gin cocktails to add a unique twist to the drink.
Gins Similar to Plymouth Gin
Plymouth gin is known for its unique blend of botanicals which gives it a slightly sweeter taste than traditional gin. Here are some gin brands that are similar to Plymouth gin in terms of taste profile:
- Sipsmith: This gin is known for its smooth and well-balanced taste, with a hint of sweetness and a distinct juniper flavor.
- Hayman’s Old Tom: This gin is an Old Tom gin, Old Tom gin is a sweeter style of gin that was popular in the 18th and 19th century, it has a sweeter taste than London Dry Gin, with a strong juniper flavor.
- Bols Genever: This gin is a Dutch style gin, it has a malty and sweeter taste than traditional gin, with a strong juniper flavor.
- Ransom Old Tom: This gin is another Old Tom gin, it has a malty and sweeter taste than traditional gin, with a strong juniper flavor.
- Greenall’s Wild Berry: This gin is a flavored gin, it has a sweeter taste than traditional gin, with a strong juniper flavor and a hint of berry.
- G’Vine Floraison: This gin is a French gin, it has a floral and sweeter taste than traditional gin, with a strong juniper flavor.
As you can see all the above-mentioned gins have a distinct taste profile and are considered as sweeter than traditional gins. You can always try different gin brands and find the one that you prefer, or experiment with different cocktails to see how the gin’s taste profile affects the final drink.
