What is the inspiration behind Fishers Gin?
To create a gin flavoured with exceptional native British botanicals; plants with a rich historical precedent in brewing and distilling, and ones that have been neglected for generations. Several have a coastal distribution which Andrew specifically wanted for Fishers as it is a coastal product. Our intention was, using ethical enterprise to create a gin that speaks of the Suffolk coast, using sustainably foraged wild botanicals where appropriate, and ‘in house’ organically grown British botanicals to ensure there isn't any risk to wild populations. How did you get from the idea to the finished product? We already knew of several species with correct historical provenance, so we researched them for suitability in terms of safety, sustainability, and aromatic qualities. We selected a shortlist of those with the most potential, foraged them and then sent them off to John McCarthy (Ginsmith at Adnams). His experience in delivering a fine balanced spirit is plain to see, we just let him work his magic in blending our selections with his choice of ‘base’ gin botanicals. Now as volumes build up we are making sure that the botanicals continue to be ethically sourced, properly and organically grown, and fastidiously prepared to ensure the finest finished product. What’s the distillery like and can you tell us about the distillation process? We are luckly enough to be able to use the Adnams distilling facility in Southwold to create Fishers. Adnams possesses a fantastic, state of the art rectifying column, and a traditional copper pot still for the gin. The gin production process is pretty traditional: the botanicals are soaked in warmed 50% ABV spirit overnight and then gently and slowly distilled. John gauges the temperature and timing of the distillation, and uses his expertise to know when to separate the heads and hearts from the tails. What’s a normal day working at Fishers like for you? My goodness, I have no idea but it’s great fun! I have not yet had a ‘normal’ day working at Fishers and I hope that will continue. Sometimes I am researching, sometimes foraging botanicals or preparing them, sometimes I am working on herbal cultivation, researching land, sourcing equipment, sometimes talking to the public at gin events, sometimes travelling to uncover obscure or forgotten botanicals for up and coming products. How would you describe your gin in 3 words? Elegant, layered, smooth. What makes Fishers Gin different? If you love gin then you will naturally drink it as a ‘short’ as well as in cocktails or as a mixer, otherwise how can you know what it tastes like? Once you sample unadulterated gin it becomes clear what level of expertise has gone into crafting it; how well the botanicals work together, how smooth and refined the layers of taste are, how attractive the mouthfeel. The question is: Is your gin good enough to be appreciated this way? If this makes sense then it becomes apparent why you should get hold of Fishers Gin - Fishers is fantastic neat, and stands clear in a very crowded market place where most of the competitors are, frankly, somewhat ordinary. What’s your favourite way to drink Fishers Gin? As I mentioned, great gin demands to be taken straight, and a small glass of chilled Fishers is an excellent aperitif. This is my favourite way to drink it, although I am partial to a very dry martini as well. What are your favourite gins (other than Fishers Gin of course!)? I most certainly have not tried all the gins out there – think of my poor liver! However I do try to sample as many interesting gins as I can. I think Monkey 47 Gin is an exceptionally well crafted gin that I am always happy to see. What is the most creative way you have seen Fishers Gin used? Probably by Sean, our head of Operation here at Fishers HQ, he made a beautiful Fishers and Dill smoked salmon starter recently, absolutely wonderful! What’s next for Fishers Gin - any exciting plans? Plenty, but I’m not telling! Comments are closed.
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