Devon gin and gin distilleries are enjoying a well-deserved renaissance at the moment, as the world wakes up to the endless delights and possibilities of this increasingly popular drink – and the quality of the craft gins both new and old that are produced here.
Devon gin
From traditional London Dry styles made in huge copper pots, to small handcrafted batches using unexpected botanicals, to sloe gins and unusual gin liqueurs, it’s easy to underestimate the variety of gins that are now produced in Devon – and it’s also great fun sampling them all!
Devon distilleries
There have been distilleries in Devon producing gin since the Middle Ages – and Devon still boasts excellent award-winning gins with history and traditions going back hundreds of years. But in recent years new distilleries have emerged, producing craft gins in a variety of unique styles.
Where to try Devon gin
Of course, the most obvious answer is – at a Devon distillery! Some of them offer tours and tastings, and a visit to a distillery is a fantastic way to stimulate your appetite for gin! But also many of Devon’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels now stock at last one home-grown gin – so next time you visit, seek one out.
Did you know …?
- Gin has been drunk in the UK since the Middle Ages
- Gin was originally considered to be a ‘herbal medicine’
- It was once sold in pharmacies and used to treat medical problems such as kidney ailments, lumbago, stomach ailments, gallstones, and gout
- Early gin recipes were based on jenever, an older Dutch liquor
- Both gin and jenever’s predominant flavour derives from juniper berries
- Anise, caraway and coriander are other botanicals commonly used in gin production
- Most Devon gins use local water, with Dartmoor water considered to be particularly pure
- Some Devon gins use over 10 botanicals to get their distinctive flavour
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