Winchester Distillery's Event Manager, Sian Jones, tells us more about the forthcoming Gin Evening at Tylney Hall and how to make the perfect G&T...
We are very excited that Winchester Distillery will be hosting a Gin Evening at Tylney Hall Hotel – what can people expect?
An introduction into Winchester Distillery. The basics of Gin criteria and production. The opportunity to taste five of our fabulous gins and to purchase bottles if required.
It seems the UK has gone gin-mad! Why do you think gin is having such a renaissance?
I think it’s largely down to the changes in licensing laws allowing small distillers the opportunity to develop recipes with more financial freedom. This gives more choice to suit more tastes and therefore the perception of a gin and tonic is changing. A big interest in Cocktail making is also a good thing for Gin as its an ingredient of many fine Cocktails old and new.
Can you share a little about how Winchester Distillery was born?
Paul Bowler left a career in IT to pursue his dreams of doing something more creative and as a Gin lover the business was born over a G&T. He started in his kitchen in Winchester, moved out to Winnall and finally took the distillery out to the Watercress beds of Old Alresford for the fresh Watercress for Twisted Nose.
How many gins do Winchester Distillery make now and what’s the favourite? And what's your personal favourite?
We currently have 10 Gins: Twisted Nose Watercress Dry Gin and Twisted Nose Oak Aged Gin, Winchester Dry Gin and from our Hampshire Range: Fine Dry Gin and Gunpowder Navy Strength Gin. These will all be showcased at the tasting. Four seasonal Gins: Spring Meadow, Summer Garden, Autumn Hedgerow and Winter Wassail and, lastly, our Sloe. Twisted Nose was Paul's first Gin and is still our best seller - if you've tried it you’ll know why, it’s very special! I think Paul would be hard pushed to choose; it would be like choosing a favourite child. I happily enjoy all of our Gins but I have to confess that Twisted Nose stole my heart.
What’s the secret to making a perfect G&T?
Most of what you taste comes via your nose so we serve ours in Balloon style glass. The larger surface area of this style of glass means more surfacing bubbles and its the bubbles that carry the aroma and flavour compounds. We use plenty of ice to keep the temperature of the drink low so that the carbon dioxide molecules which create the bubbles find it harder to escape, allowing it to stay fizzier and aromatic for longer. I also prefer to chill my tonic. One part Gin to two parts tonic is a good rule of thumb, but you may prefer to increase the amount of tonic depending on the strength of the Gin.
Can you share with us a delicious gin cocktails recipe?
Twisted Nose Gin & Grapefruit Tonic
Ingredients:
50ml Twisted Nose Gin
150ml Fentimans Grapefruit tonic water
Slice of pink/red grapefruit
Sprig of fresh rosemary
Plenty of ice
Method:
Fill a highball or copa glass with ice and add the grapefruit and herbs. Pour over the gin, add the tonic and gently stir. Serve immediately.
Drink. Relax. Enjoy!
Is there any news that you’d like to share?
We have a very exciting year ahead of us with a new spirit range in development and an extension to our premises to accommodate our growth. It’s all very exciting, so watch this space!
Tylney Hall's Gin Evening takes place on Friday 15th June. Join us for a welcome gin cocktail, delicious gourmet menu, designed by our Head Chef, Mike Lloyd, (menu online) and a fabulous gin talk & tasting from Winchester Distillery.
To find out more information click here or telephone Marion Bampton on 01256 745533.