Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin – The Original Plymouth Style Gin | Black Friars Distillery
Plymouth Gin is one of the world’s most iconic and historically significant gins — the only gin in the world with its own protected geographical indication, produced exclusively at the Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, England, the oldest working gin distillery in the United Kingdom. With a history stretching back to 1793, Plymouth Gin is not merely a gin — it is a category unto itself, recognized by its own distinct style that sits between the bold juniper intensity of London Dry and the sweeter, more aromatic character of Old Tom.
Crafted from a balanced blend of seven hand-selected botanicals — including juniper berries, coriander seed, orange peel, lemon peel, green cardamom, angelica root, and orris root — Plymouth Gin delivers a rich, smooth, and distinctly earthy character that has made it the gin of choice for classic cocktails since the 19th century. It was the original gin specified in the first printed Dry Martini recipe, and remains the benchmark for the Plymouth style to this day.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Fresh and aromatic with juniper, citrus peel, and a subtle earthy sweetness — the distinctive character of Plymouth’s seven-botanical blend
- Palate: Rich, smooth, and well-rounded with juniper, warm spice, citrus, and a gentle earthy depth — less sharp than London Dry, with a natural sweetness that makes it exceptionally versatile
- Finish: Clean, smooth, and satisfying with lingering juniper, citrus, and a gentle spiced warmth — the refined finish of a truly classic gin
Key Highlights
- ✔ Protected geographical indication — the only gin in the world that can legally be called Plymouth Gin
- ✔ Seven hand-selected botanicals — juniper, coriander, orange peel, lemon peel, cardamom, angelica root & orris root
- ✔ From Black Friars Distillery — the UK’s oldest working gin distillery, Plymouth, since 1793
- ✔ The original Dry Martini gin — specified in the first printed Martini recipe
- ✔ 750mL bottle — ideal for cocktails, gifting, and everyday enjoyment
- ✔ Available at Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping
How to Enjoy
Plymouth Gin is the quintessential cocktail gin — its rich, smooth character and natural sweetness make it exceptional in a classic Dry Martini (stirred, with a lemon twist or olive), a Gin & Tonic (over ice with premium tonic and a slice of lemon), or a Negroni where its earthy depth balances the Campari beautifully. It also shines in a Tom Collins or a Gimlet. For food pairings, Plymouth Gin’s citrus and spice character pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, oysters, light seafood dishes, cucumber sandwiches, and soft cheeses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Plymouth Gin and how does it differ from London Dry?
Plymouth Gin is a distinct gin style — protected by geographical indication and produced exclusively at Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, England. Compared to London Dry gin, Plymouth is richer, smoother, and slightly sweeter, with a more pronounced earthy character from its botanical blend. It is less sharp and juniper-forward than London Dry, making it particularly well-suited to classic cocktails where its natural balance and smoothness can shine.
Why is Plymouth Gin historically significant?
Plymouth Gin has been produced at Black Friars Distillery since 1793, making it one of the oldest continuously produced gins in the world. It was the gin of choice for the British Royal Navy — Plymouth being a major naval port — and was specified in the first printed recipe for the Dry Martini. Its protected geographical indication makes it the only gin in the world that must be produced in Plymouth to carry the name.
Where can I buy Plymouth Gin?
You can purchase it online through Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping available.