5 Gin Schools to Visit Now
Gin, we all like to think we are its ambassador, we drink enough of it so assume we are connoisseurs, but how much do you actually know about it? Really? Do you know what its key ingredient is or how it’s really made? If you need to brush up on your gin knowledge, or just fancy making some of your own gin, here are 5 gin “schools” to visit now…
HALF HITCH
Create Any Type of Gin
Ever wondered what mince pie gin tastes like? The Handbook did and so we trotted off to HALF HITCH Gin’s micro-distillery in Camden Market, where you can create any gin you like- we’ve heard they’ve even made Percy Pig gin. Every week night, they host hour –long, informal classes where HALF HITCH distiller Chris, teaches you all about the gin making process using a modern still before you then get a go at creating your own bespoke gin. You’ll leave with an 100ml bottle of your own blend and a 100ml bottle of HALF HITCH which is infused with Earl Grey Tea. If you’re a bit of an experimenter or just want to learn more about London’s history with gin, this is a must.
Runs Mondays – Fridays
Where: HALF HITCH Micro Distillery, Unit 53 Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF
Website: Get Tickets Here
Fever-Tree Gin School
From the Mixer Specialists
You’ll have to be quick with this one as it is only running until the 20th December. Fever-Tree have brought back their sold-out Gin School to give ‘students’ as taste of their new festive mixer, the Clementine & Cinnamon tonic. It’ll be more about tasting notes than taking notes, as after a Gin & Fever-Tree cocktail and learning about gin, you’ll be able to create your own 500ml bottle of gin blended from a selection of gins to suit your palate. You’ll also leave with a number of free goodies – keep them or if you need last minute presents… then you’re sorted.
Saturday – Wednesday until 20th December
Where: Merchant House of Bow Lane 13 Well Court, Off Bow Lane, EC4M 9DN
Website: Get Tickets Here
East London Liquor Company
Tours and Tasting
Though is used to be a glue factory, and is technically taking up residence in a car park, the East London liquor company has had a modern makeover. We say modern it still has that lovely rustic feel to it, with tall vaulted ceilings bare brickwork and the old swinging stable doors. Venture on the spirit of gin tour learn a bit about the history of your favourite spirit. With gin in hand you can wobble along the tour and take in the sights of the maturation room, where the magic happens sample the ELLC’s very own gin swell as a variety from across the globe. After the tour you can retire to the bar and try some of the cocktails especially tailored to the taste and feel of the ELLC’s own brand.
Available by appointment
Where: Unit GF1, Bow Wharf, 221 Grove Road, E3 5SN
Website: www.eastlondonliquorcompany.com
Sipsmith
Just Keep Sipping
Being the first of its kind to open since 1820 it’s no wonder the Sipsmith distillery is one of the most well known. Enjoy the tutored tasting and get to know Prudence, Patience, and Constance, the three glorious copper ladies that are responsible for the irre-sip-able gin that they produce. When you’ve absorbed enough history but could do with a little more gin in the bloodstream then you can attend the Sipper Club, though there is, of course, more gin to consume it is accompanied by a three course meal (all inspired by gin) at Charlotte’s bistro.
Tours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursdays and some Fridays
Tours and Dinners: Tuesdays
Where: 83 Cranbrook Road, Chiswick, W4 2LJ
Website: www.sipsmith.com
Gin Journey
Going On A Gin Hunt
A bar crawl like no other, why? Because you won’t be in fancy dress and you will not be crawling between each establishment; oh no, you’ll be in a Gini-bus, a Mercedes one at that. The Gin Journey comprises of a tour around five different bars and distilleries around London. These tours take place in Shoreditch, Bermondsey, and Notting Hill, taking up to twenty people at a time. The Gin Boss will regale you with tales and stories of gin, from whence it came and where it stands now. With a cocktail at each bar and gin guardian to keep your little crew in check, and hustling from bar to bar.
Various dates, the next London gin journeys take place on the 9th and 16th December
Where: Various
Website: Get Tickets Here
