Review

Brighton Gin

Brighton Gin Company, Brighton, Sussex, England, UK.

Brighton Gin.

The story started, like many others before and like many will in the future too, between friends over drinks in a bar. This particular story began in 2013 with 5 friends (and local residents) discussing their desire for the city of Brighton - a popular seaside resort on the Southern coast of England - to have it’s own Gin. Fortunately the friends all have backgrounds that when combined make for a formidable partnership for making and marketing a great spirit:

Dr. Ian Barry (also known as Dr. Easy), a physicist and distiller;

Helen Chesshire, a Public Relations specialist in the drinks industry;

Jonathan Ray, drinks editor for The Spectator (having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph, The Field and GQ);

Kathy Caton, a bar owner/restauranteur and broadcaster; and

Nigel Lambe, an entrepreneur (having owned a Coffee company and Brewery).

Even with this formidable team it took nearly a year to gain a distilling licence (issued summer 2014) and 6 months to create and prepare the Gin, launched at the end of 2014.

Production details are undisclosed but the first run of 400 bottles sold out very quickly.

The Gin is presented in a clear rectangular bottle with sloping shoulders. It has a large rectangular label (in the shape of an old fashioned railway ticket) with black and white colored text on a light green colored background (the same color as the cap). This color is known as “Brighton Seafront Blue” and matches the paint color on the railings, bus shelters and others municipal structures along the beach front of the city.

Distilled Dry Gin.

40% (80 Proof).

$$$$$ - $$$$$$. Not available in the USA. Currently only available from retailers and bars in and around the Brighton Area in the UK (no worldwide shipping) – see details on their website.

Botanicals include: angelica, juniper berries, lime, milk thistle and fresh orange (others are kept a secret).

Named after the City of Brighton, where it is produced.

We have not been able to try this yet and certainly look forward to the opportunity to sample it. However, according to the producers it is: soft enough to be taken neat, with subtle juniper, citrus (especially orange) and a hint of spice. They recommend it in a Gin & Tonic (with an orange garnish), a Martini and a Negroni (we’re guessing this will prove to be the favorite choice).

Unknown.