Odds are good if you’ve hung out in a cocktail bar, you’ve seen a sea glass green bottle with a rather oblong shape sitting on the shelf. Plymouth Gin is produced by one of the oldest distilleries in the world, Black Friars Distilleries. The name Plymouth is actually a geographical regulation for gin produced in Plymouth, England. It happens to now be the only gin distilled in Plymouth.
So what’s the difference? Plymouth Gin tends to be less dry, and a little lighter on the juniper. In Plymouth Gin’s case this results in a nose that opens with juniper but gives way more easily to citrus and coriander. The floral notes in the nose are robust and play well with some of the herb and spice elements, giving a very perfumed nature. The body is smooth and easy, with plenty of lemon and coriander playing equal fiddle to the juniper. The finish is clean after the gentle richness of the body, and maintains a similar flavor profile.
On it’s own, Plymouth Gin is simply delicious.
Plymouth Gin In Cocktails:
Plymouth’s delightfully softer style makes it at home for more delicate floral drinks. In bolder drinks – Plymouth fights a bit more – but is still capable of showing up. The citrus notes comes forward more and the spice is more subdued. Experimenting with our gold standard of a Martini we found it to be level with the vermouth, and less juniper forward than most gins.
So Is Plymouth Gin Good?
We quite like Plymouth, and are happy to keep a bottle around. While it’s not the most versatile gin in our collection, it’s smooth body and balanced spicing makes us like it. The lower ABV (41.2%) makes it a little less dominant, but keeps it above the 80 proof line. This means the impact in most cocktails should be relatively minimal compared to standards like Beefeater & Bombay Sapphire.
Looking for something more contemporary? Check out our take on Aviation Gin.
Want more information? Check out Plymouth’s website.
Raw Tasting Notes:
The nose opens with a solid amount of juniper – but gives way gently to notes of citrus and coriander. There’s a certain floral character to the nose but it mixes well with a more herbaceous note – leaning toward perfume. The body is smooth and the lemon and coriander almost play equal fiddle to the juniper. There’s a richness to the body, and it finishes cleanly – maintaining notes of pine, lemon, and gentle cardamom and root spice.