Plymouth Gin

Plymouth Gin is a timeless English gin with a heritage rooted in one of the world’s oldest distilling traditions. Smooth and balanced with earthy depth and bright citrus lift, it’s versatile enough for classic cocktails like the Martini or gin & tonic, yet distinguished enough to reward close sipping on its own.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Distilled since 1793 at the historic Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, Devon, England, this gin is the archetype of the unique Plymouth style—once protected as a geographical indication and still made at its original site on the Barbican with a recipe that has changed little over centuries.

Unlike many modern gins, Plymouth is crafted via traditional copper pot distillation and uses a hand-selected blend of seven botanicals including juniper, coriander seed, lemon peel, sweet orange peel, angelica root, orris root, and green cardamom. These botanicals are distilled with soft, locally sourced Dartmoor water, giving the spirit its signature smooth, earthy, and citrus-accented profile with a creamy mouthfeel.

Plymouth’s heritage is also tied to classic British naval history: it gained international renown as a quality spirit carried aboard Royal Navy ships, helping spread its reputation across the globe.

Critics Reviews

"A very pleasant blend of juniper, citrus, and coriander dominate the very welcoming nose. The palate is rich, but shows less alcohol and less dryness compared to many gins making it soft enough to be very enjoyable on its own but aromatic enough for a range of cocktails." 93 Points Excellent, Highly Recommended Ultimate Spirits Challenge

"A soft, classic gin, ideal for Negronis and a wide range of other drinks. Overall, the flavor is neutral, but it has a touch of sweetness and complex underpinnings of pine, citrus and black pepper. Because it's so versatile, this workhorse is recommended for anyone starting to build a bar." Wine Enthusiast 93 Points

Tasting Profile
Nose: Rich and fresh with a balanced juniper presence, woven with citrus zest from lemon and sweet orange peel, and supported by spiced notes of coriander and green cardamom.

Palate: Smooth and full-bodied yet approachable, offering crisp citrus, gentle earthiness, and a subtle root spice that feels broader than many juniper-forward London Dry gins. The profile leans toward citrus-sweet and lightly herbaceous, with very soft juniper at its core.

Finish: Clean and elegant, with lingering citrus echoes and gentle warmth—neither sharp nor excessively dry, making it flexible for both neat sipping and mixed applications.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Plymouth Martini (Classic)

• 2 oz Plymouth Gin

• 1 oz dry vermouth

• Lemon twist or olive
  Method: Stir with ice, strain into a chilled coupe, garnish.

Gin & Tonic (Refined English Classic)

• 2 oz Plymouth Gin

• 4–5 oz premium tonic water

• Grapefruit or lemon garnish
  Method: Build over ice in a tall glass; stir gently to coat.

Negroni (Plymouth Variation)

• 1 oz Plymouth Gin

• 1 oz Campari

• 1 oz sweet vermouth
  Method: Stir with ice, strain over a large cube in a rocks glass; orange peel garnish.