Dr J's Gin

Now summer is here (ha ha), it is gin time again and what a lovely time that is. As you may know our Dr J's Gin begins life from our English Spirit and then we pack in varieties of coriander, juniper berries, macadamia nuts, fresh zests and some magic. Our copper pot stills work their wonders and out pops our Dr J's at about 80.5% ABV. We cut back to 45% to ensure in the glass experience of one to one with your chosen mixer is the perfect expression of our gin.

We are asked a lot what is the best mixer. Well, never been a big fan of mixers as they vary so much and when you have spent an immense amount of time and effort creating your spirit the last thing you want to do is contaminate it with something.... shall we say... sub-standard. With this in mind, we set out to produce a gin that was perfect when served very simply over crushed ice - one to one. If you want a twist then set aside all your rinds and zests and do this:

Two fingers crushed ice, two to three salted capers (not the brine but the salt crystal version) and two fingers of Dr J's Gin. Sip and enjoy. Repeat ad libidum.

Nano still

We have been wittering on for some time about the delights of our simple 1L copper pot "nano" still and the delights of knocking out your own drop of spirit whilst you preparing and eat your evening meal.

Nothing could be simpler than our little gem.

Easiest is to start with low quality wine - red or white it does not matter.

Cider makes Calvados or Apple Brandy, fruit wines make eau de vie and unhopped beer makes whisky.

Put a whole bottle (75cl - 750ml) in the pot. Place the pot on a hob and attached the head. Seal the rim of the head where it meets the pot with thick flour and water paste. Light/switch on the hob on a medium heat.

Plug the two holes of the cooler that are not connected to the coil. This is best done with candle wax.

Attach the curvy arm to the cooler. The cooler should not be on the hob.

Fill the cooler with cold water. Light the hob and bring the pot to the boil. Should take 10-20 mins. The first vapours off are called heads and you don't want them so discard the first 30ml (an egg cup full), next collect the following 125ml - this is called the heart. Add to this about an egg cup of water and you'll have about 150-160ml of ca 40% spirit - in this case a brandy. Sip and enjoy!

It is legal to own your own personal still in the UK, provided it is 4L or less in size and you register with the HMRC (start here)

You can buy one of these little gems from our online shop too.