If you’re looking for a distillery tour in London then I’d definitely recommend City and London’s Distillery Tour. I must admit when myself and my friend Emma were trying to locate the distillery we did wonder where we were going. It’s down a small narrow road just off of Fleet Street, but the sign was big enough for us not to miss it!
On arrive we were given a complimentary Gin & Tonic to kick start the experience and seating in a separate area to the bar while we waited for everyone else arrive. Once everyone areas we were taken into a small room laid out with a 4 flight gin tasting, some botanicals and the full range of gins the City of London has to offer.
Our tour guide firstly gave us a background on Gin in London starting at the Gin Craze and moving through the times until the present day. Did you know that this distillery is the only one in Square Mile? They currently make 8 different Gins and started distilling in 2012.
Our Guide took us on a journey through the eight gins and we got to try four out of the eight.
- Christopher Wren – Inspired by the architecture of Sir Christopher Wren this gin celebrates London’s iconic skyline buildings. With its citrus profile and hint of spice this gin was one of my favourites during the tasting.
- Square Mile – With a higher ABV of 47.5% this gin packs a punch and so it should when it’s named after the City of London that this distillery calls their home. It’s smooth on the palate but has that kick.
- Rhubarb and Rose – Inspired by the British love affair with Rhubarb and Rose, at 40.3% ABV this is definitely a gin and not a liquor! Now I love a Rhubarb Gin, however I won’t be around the bush here. I wasn’t really a fan of this one. I couldn’t really get the taste of either the Rhubarb or the Rose and found it a bit disappointing as I had high hopes for it.
- Sloe Gin – This one was my favourite and that actually surprised me. It’s thick and rich in flavour. The colour is beautiful and I must say a full bottle was purchased to take home! Yes it is only a gin liquor but it has to be one of the best Sloe Gins I’ve tried.
The remaining four gins – Authentic, Old Tom, Murican Orange, Six Bells Lemon and Navy Strength Lime were talked about but not in as much details as the above.
Half way through the gin flight we were given a low down on the copper stills; Jennifer, Elizabeth and Clarissa. They currently do not bottle their own gin, this is now done in Liverpool, and however it is still distilled on site. I do find it a bit odd though that even though it’s distilled in the original place that the bar have to repurchase their own gins to be sold and used.
Once our tour had finished you were welcome to leave, explore the shop or sit and have cocktails. We chose the cocktails option as it seemed rude just to leave. The bar area is nice and bright and overlooks the copper still, so even if you don’t do a tour it’s a beautiful place just for a drink in the evening.
Where: City of London Distillery, 22-24 Bride Lane, London EC4Y 8DT / Price: From £25 / Website: www.cityoflondondistillery.com
ginandcoast.co.uk 