On the outskirts of Tring and based in a little wooden unit this beautiful craft gin distillery is a must visit. From the outside I wasn’t sure what to expect as it looks very small and like a posh shed. On entering though it’s far from that with a little gin store, their copper distils on show and space for you to sample their creations.
Campfire Gin is the first small batch gin company in Hertfordshire. The name came from founders Ben and Kate’s love of drinking Gin and Tonic’s around campfires. Opening in 2016 the pair have come on leaps and bounds and winning awards for their gins along the way.
I’ve been to a few gin distilleries, but these guys make it personal. They know their gins exceptionally well, are extremely welcoming and the layout of their premises has a very homely vibe. Kate very kindly offered myself and Jack on our visit to sample some of the gins, sadly I was driving so could only sample a few but I got Jack to try most of them.
The Stills
Going down the traditional route of naming the stills after influential women, Ben and Kate chose three female adventures to name theirs. Annie, Isabella and Amelia. Two are 50 litres and one 200 litres. These must be some of the smallest stills I’ve seen in a distillery and it’s amazing that so much gin can be produced from them.
Gin Collection
- Campfire Gin London Dry
- Campfire Gin Old Tom
- Campfire Gin Cask Gin
- Campfire Gin Navy Strength
- George Street Canteen Gin
- Ultra-Sonic Gin
The bottles are gorgeous and of course one of these warranted a space on my gin shelf but the question is which one?
I tried the London Dry first. Why? Well, it’s rude not to go with the standard gin, isn’t it? This to me was lovely and would be a truly great gin and tonic with a few ice cubes.
Next, I had to try the Cask Gin. I’ve had a few and to be fair I’m not 100% sure about them. Maybe it’s because I’m not a Whiskey or Bourbon lover so I find the taste a bit overpowering. With that in mind this one completely changed how I see Cask gins and safe to say this is the one that is one my gin shelf. It’s packed with vanilla and caramel undertones which make it so smooth. To me this was the best in the collection.
Lastly, I tried a sip of Jack’s Old Tom sample, and I can understand why Kate says this is nice, neat over Ice. For an Old Tom it has a perfect citrus taste but it’s also sweet on the palate, something that I really didn’t expect.
I’ve you end up leaving the distillery shop without something in your hand then there is something wrong. With books, gin, glasses, and bitters there is something for every gin lover.
Price: £-££ / Where: Unit 1 Artisan Workshop, Lower Icknield Way, Wilstone Green, Tring HP23 4NT / Website: puddingstonedistillery.com
ginandcoast.co.uk 