In the 18th century Plymouth, London, Bristol, Warrington and Norwich were the great gin distilling centres each with their own unique style of gin. Gradually the London Dry style came to dominate but the gin made in Plymouth retained its own distinctively aromatic character. Plymouth Gin has remained true to this tradition. Produced in an still which has not been changed for over 150 years, it has a subtle, full bodied flavour with no bitter botanicals and not nearly as much of a juniper hit as some gins. A higher than usual proportion of root ingredients is the source of Plymouth's distinctive earthy, rooty, tastes whilst the addition of sweet orange and cardamom impart a softly fruity, spicy finish. Pure water from Dartmoor contributes to Plymouth Gin's exceptionally clean and fresh flavour.
Plymouth Gin has a long history. The Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, where it is made, dates back to at least 1793 and there is reason to believe that distilling may have been carried out on these premises much earlier. Certainly Black Friars can rightly claim to be the oldest working distillery in the UK. The building is also reputed to have been the place where the Pilgrim Fathers gathered before they set off in the Mayflower for America in 1620.
Plymouth Gin is the only UK gin to have a geographic designation like an appellation controllee - the result of a legal judgement in the 1880s when a London distiller began producing a Plymouth gin. Coates & Co established then that, by law, Plymouth Gin could only be made in Plymouth.
One of the world's great brands of gin, Plymouth Gin suffered years of neglect in the hands of the multinationals who often acquired Coates & Co as part of a job lot and never really appreciated the brand's qualities and heritage. No longer, the hero is back. Plymouth Gin was taken over in the 1990s by a private group of investors. They restored the brand to its original 41.2% strength and, through clever marketing and word of mouth, it has gained enormous exposure. Plymouth is now one of the fastest growing gin brands on the market. A deal with Swedish giants, Vin & Sprit, has ensured further investment and crucial international distribution.
Plymouth Original is produced at 41.2% abv (83 degrees proof). A 47% abv (94 proof) version available in worldwide duty free markets.
Plymouth Navy Strength
Plymouth Navy Strength is bottled at a heavyweight 57% abv (114 proof), the traditional strength at which, if it happened to spill on gunpowder on board Royal Navy ships, the gunpowder would still light. At this strength the big flavours of Plymouth Gin are a revelation.
International Distributors
UK: Maxxium UK.
USA: Absolut Spirits Company Incorporated.
Spain, Italy, Japan, New Zealand and Australia: Maxxium.
Nordic countries: Vin &Sprit.
Key UK off-trade outlets
In the UK Plymouth Original Gin is available at Safeways, Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Waitrose and Somerfield supermarkets as well as most good off licences. Plymouth Navy Strength is available from Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum and Mason and selected quality wine merchants in the UK.
Key European and US off-trade outlets
For a full list of US and European outlets please visit www.plymouthgin.com
Key UK on-trade outlets
Plymouth Gin is always available in high quality cocktail bars and the Browns Restaurant chain.
Key US on-trade outlets
Plymouth Gin is available in a wide range of cocktail bars in New York, Washington DC, Boston and San Francisco.
See also Plymouth Fruit Cup »
Website: www.plymouthgin.com
