The Black Friars Distillery, now known as the Plymouth Gin distillery, is renowned for producing a unique and distinct type of spirit – gin. Gin, often referred to as “the spirit of the city,” has a fascinating history that dates back centuries. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to explore and understand the intricate details of gin production at the Black Friars Distillery.
Gin is a spirit that is primarily made from juniper berries. However, the production process at the Black Friars Distillery involves a careful selection and combination of various botanicals, resulting in a complex and well-balanced flavor profile. The exact recipe used by the distillery is a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few individuals.
At the heart of the distillery lies a beautiful building that was once a Dominican Order monastery, built back in 1431. This historical backdrop adds a certain charm and character to the production of gin at the distillery. Walking through the distillery, you can't help but feel a sense of reverence for the centuries of craftsmanship that have taken place within its walls.
The production of gin at the Black Friars Distillery begins with the careful selection of botanicals. These botanicals can include a wide range of ingredients, such as juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, orris root, and citrus peels. Each botanical brings its own unique flavor and aroma to the final product.
Once the botanicals have been selected, they are macerated in a neutral base spirit. This maceration process allows the flavors and aromas of the botanicals to infuse into the spirit, creating a rich and complex gin. The length of the maceration process can vary depending on the desired flavor profile, but it is typically several hours to overnight.
After maceration, the spirit is then distilled in traditional copper pot stills. This distillation process allows for the separation of the alcohol from the botanicals, resulting in a pure and flavorful gin. The distillers at the Black Friars Distillery take great care in ensuring that the distillation process is precise and consistent, resulting in a high-quality spirit.
Once the distillation is complete, the gin is then aged in oak barrels. This aging process allows the flavors of the gin to mellow and develop further, adding depth and complexity to the final product. The length of aging can vary depending on the desired flavor profile, but it is typically several months to a few years.
The end result of this meticulous production process is a gin that is smooth, balanced, and full of character. The Plymouth Gin produced at the Black Friars Distillery is known for its distinctive flavor profile, with notes of juniper, citrus, and spice. It is a gin that can be enjoyed on its own, with a simple tonic, or in a variety of classic cocktails.
Having had the opportunity to visit the Black Friars Distillery and witness the production process firsthand, I can attest to the dedication and passion that goes into creating their exceptional gin. The combination of centuries-old traditions and modern techniques results in a spirit that is truly one-of-a-kind.
The Black Friars Distillery produces a unique and exceptional gin. Through a meticulous process of maceration, distillation, and aging, the distillery creates a gin that is smooth, balanced, and full of character. The rich history and craftsmanship of the distillery, combined with careful selection and combination of botanicals, result in a gin that is worthy of its reputation as “the spirit of the city.”