Plymouth Gin—perhaps you’ve heard of it, or maybe you’re wondering, “What is Plymouth Gin?” When it comes to the world of gin, one name stands out for its rich history, distinctive flavor profile, and deep-rooted connection to a bustling maritime city. In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating story of Plymouth Gin.

History:
The story of Plymouth Gin dates back more than 200 years and is closely tied to the city’s rich maritime and trading past. The original distillery, the Black Friars Distillery, was established in 1793 and still produces this famous spirit today. This facility is the oldest working distillery in the United Kingdom, and from its inception, it has represented the highest quality. Plymouth Gin’s uniqueness lies in its smooth, citrusy, and herbal flavor profile, which owes its character to the combination of local water and carefully selected ingredients.
Gin’s popularity exploded in the 19th century when it became a staple for English sailors. The classic „Navy Strength” gin, with its higher alcohol content, was especially favored by ocean-goers. Today, Plymouth Gin continues to be a symbol of quality, offering a special experience whether enjoyed as a cocktail base or on its own.
What is Plymouth Gin made of?
Plymouth Gin production begins with a neutral grain spirit, which is redistilled with a carefully selected botanical blend, including juniper berries, coriander seeds, sweet orange peel, green cardamom, and angelica root. The Plymouth Gin recipe focuses on how each ingredient combines harmoniously with the others, resulting in a more balanced, smoother, and less juniper-dominant gin.

An essential aspect of Plymouth Gin’s production process is distillation. It is distilled in copper stills known as „The Copper Lady” and „The Copper Gentleman,” giving the gin its rich and rounded character. In addition to its very specific botanical mix and base spirit, Plymouth Gin derives its final attributes from local Dartmoor reservoir water, which is naturally filtered as it flows through granite and peat. Plymouth Gin is aged briefly to harmonize and mellow the flavors. The gin rests for a short period in oak barrels, imparting subtle nuances and rounding out its overall character.
It’s worth noting that the exact details of the production process, including specific times and quantities, are closely guarded secrets of the Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth.
TIP: https://www.plymouthgin.com/en/
Did you know?
Plymouth Gin operates a sustainable distillery. It is powered 100% by hydroelectric energy, its bottles are 100% recyclable, and it sends zero waste to landfills. How cool is that? The brand actively promotes greener practices and leads the way toward a more eco-friendly production process both within and beyond the industry.

Plymouth Gin is more than just a drink; it is a slice of history, a legend in a glass, preserving its authentic English character for centuries. Its unique flavor, local traditions, and the spirit of a coastal city all contribute to making this gin one of the most beloved worldwide. Whether enjoyed as the base of a classic cocktail or sipped neat, Plymouth Gin always delivers a special experience. Next time you open a bottle, remember that with every sip, you’re tasting a piece of Plymouth’s history. Cheers!