Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin is a 750mL English gin bottled at 41.2% ABV, made at the Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, on England's south-west coast, where gin has been produced since 1793 to the original botanical recipe. Seven botanicals — juniper, coriander, sweet orange peel, lemon peel, green cardamom, angelica root and orris root, with no bitter botanicals — give a style of its own: richer and earthier than a London Dry, smoother and less juniper-sharp. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 41.2% (Original Strength)
- Size: 750mL
- Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, orange peel, lemon peel, green cardamom, angelica root, orris root
- Distillery: Black Friars Distillery, Plymouth, England — gin made on the site since 1793
- Production: Copper-pot batch distillation, softened with Dartmoor water
- Style: The original Plymouth style — between London Dry and Old Tom in character
One Distillery, One Recipe, Since 1793
Black Friars — a 15th-century former Dominican monastery on Plymouth's Barbican — is the oldest working gin distillery in England, and Plymouth Gin has been made there, to the same seven-botanical recipe, since 1793. The style was once protected by a European geographical indication (the owners let it lapse in 2015, judging the name protection enough), and it remains a category of one: the gin specified in early printed Martini recipes and carried by generations of sailors from its home port. Batch distillation in a copper pot installed in 1855 and soft Dartmoor water keep the make traditional. See it on the Plymouth Gin vendor page and in our gin collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the producer's notes: a rich, fresh nose with cardamom and coriander spice; a smooth, sweet, full-bodied palate; and an elegant, long, aromatic finish — earthy depth under the citrus and spice.
How to Enjoy
The classic Martini gin for a reason — stir it dry with a lemon twist — and a natural in a Gimlet or a Pink Gin. The official product page lists 2022 awards including Gold at The Gin Masters and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Silver at the IWSC. More classic English gin is across our spirits collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Plymouth Gin different from London Dry Gin?
Its seven-botanical recipe uses no bitter botanicals and leans earthier and smoother — more angelica and orris depth, softer juniper — a distinct Plymouth style made only at Black Friars Distillery since 1793.
Where is Plymouth Gin made?
At Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, England — a former 15th-century Dominican monastery and the oldest working gin distillery in the country.
What strength is Plymouth Gin?
The Original Strength bottling is 41.2% ABV. (A separate Navy Strength expression exists at 57% — a different product.)
Two centuries of Plymouth style in one bottle — order Plymouth Gin online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.