Plymouth Gin is a protected brand of gin that has been distilled on the same premises on the Barbican in Plymouth, Devon, since 1793. Plymouth-style gin is considered a derivative of London Dry, distinguished by a more "earthy" taste profile. and featuring more citrus notes
Plymouth Gin was the only spirit made in England, and one of only three gins in the world, that carried a geographical indication (GI) designation with the European Union, certifying its traditional origin. In 2015, the distillery's owners declined to pursue renewal of the GI, considering its protection was unneeded.) are common to many gins, its flavour differs from the more common style of gin, London Dry. A higher proportion of root ingredients and other botanicals is used in the Plymouth recipe, which brings what is described as a more 'earthy' feel to the gin, as well as a softened juniper flavour, and noticeable citrus notes. It is often noted as being "drier" than London Dry (for example by Bon Appetit; the beverage website Cocktail Society) although some writers note a subtle "sweetness". At least one reviewer considers it is "less dry" than London Dry. It was a tradition in the Royal Navy that all newly commissioned vessels receive a "Plymouth Gin Commissioning kit", a wooden box containing two bottles of navy strength Plymouth gin and glassware.
According to the distiller's website, Plymouth also produces a sloe gin, a gin fruit cup and a "limited edition" single-origin juniper gin .
Background
In the first half of the 18th century, as a result of government policy and economic conditions, gin became a low-cost and readily available alcoholic beverage. It was widely consumed by the poor and was generally believed to be a major contributor to the considerable social problems of the time, in what became known as the Gin Craze.
The negative reputation arising from these circumstances, coupled with the often poor quality, adulterated product of unregulated distilling, positioned gin as an undesirable beverage even decades after "anti-gin" legislation (notably, the Gin Act 1751), along with the reduced economic viability of using grain for alcohol production, had substantially reduced the adverse impacts of the "craze".
In contrast, Plymouth Gin was viewed more favourably. The product was standardised and reliable, while its distillation occurred far from the slums of London where substandard gin had most often been both made and imbibed. The global deployment of the Royal Navy, who carried it on their ships, led to the renown and wider consumption of the Plymouth product. While use of gin in general declined in England from the 1750s, the Plymouth-style was somewhat insulated from the falling consumption and low regard which distilled grain spirits had acquired in the aftermath of the Gin Craze. Plymouth was the favorite gin of film directors Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles, as well as the American President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Commercial history
Today, there is only one brand of Plymouth-style gin, the Plymouth brand, which is produced at the Distillery in Devon. It is the only remaining gin distillery in Plymouth. The building, constructed in 1431, has been in operation as a gin distillery since 1793. It opens onto what is now Southside Street.
By the 1990s, sales of gin across the board had declined substantially, and Plymouth Gin specifically was doing poorly, with sales down to 7,000 cases a year; its owner, Allied Domecq, was focusing on Beefeater Gin, its one-time rival that was by then owned by the same company. In 1996, the brand was sold by Allied Lyons to a management group headed by Charles Rolls. referencing the brand motto "when his feet are dry it's time to buy." Prior to the expiration of the PDO in February 2015, Pernod Ricard announced that they would not be applying for its continuation. The company considers it to be unnecessary for the gin's protected status, as they own the tradename, Plymouth Gin, and their Distillery has been the sole maker of the style for over 100 years.
Packaging
thumb|right|upright|A Plymouth Gin bottle from
In 1998, the brand was relaunched by the new management team. The new packaging involved a re-creation of the original bottle and included a thirsty monk inside the bottle. It was said that when the monk's feet 'got dry', it was time for a new bottle. It was also restored to its original strength of 41.2%, and a Navy Strength of 57% introduced to remind drinkers that the brand was the official gin for the Royal Navy. In 2016, Plymouth received double gold for its Plymouth Gin (Original Gin) and gold for its Navy Strength gin in this competition.
See also
- Pink gin