Virtual Gin Tasting Programme Saturday 27th January 2024

What is your favourite product and why?

My personal favourite is our London Dry, because in my opinion the test of a good distillery is their London Dry Gin! If you can drink it on ice and it is tasty then it’s my go-to drink, and that’s exactly what our London Dry delivers. From our flavours, my favourite is our Foret Noire as it is very versatile, but also it is the perfect drink for your hip flask.

Piston have a Gin & Vodka now, but would you ever consider experimenting with a Rum?

No we won’t make a rum, but we do make a coffee tequila that is really rather extraordinary! There are so many preconceptions with tequila and we are here to surprise you.

How long did it take you to finalise your Forêt Noire recipe?

Our founder Nick has the incredible (but also very enviable) ability of being able to get something correct first time. His brain is able to piece together a picture and bring it to life, so after making a cocktail in a bar, he was able to come back to the distillery and piece it into a 1L recipe and then upscale it. We are lucky to have him!

What inspired you to begin making gin and what do you love about the process?

After moving to Shropshire 10 + years ago, it became came apparent that not all the spirit products where actually made in the county, Neither of us are from a distilling/beverage background but after a light bulb moment, we thought ‘well how hard can it be?’

We love the alchemy, the different botanical profiles and our complete hands on approach throughout the whole process – a truly handcrafted product

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Biggest challenges for us, we are not natural sales people, albeit we can talk to you about our distillery and product all day long – but not in a sales pitch manner, it is more of a passion, love and belief in what we do.

What is your favourite gin cocktail and can you tell us how to make it?

Emma – one of mine is a Flora Dora, something a little different yet very pleasant and easy drinking. 50c, Dry Gin, 25ml Raspberry Syrup, 25ml Lime Juice – all in a shaker with ice, strain and top up with Ginger Ale. Garnish with a lime wheel

Gareth – Currently a Negroni – with Shropshire Distillery Twist

50ml Aromatic Spiced Gin, 50ml AFTER NOON Apple & Cherry Liqueur (this replaces the traditional Vermouth) and 50ml Campari. Add all to a mixing jar with ice, chill glass, stir and strain over ice- serve with Orange Wedge

What is your perfect serve?

Urban Rhino London Dry Gin is made to a simple and refined recipe of just six botanicals.

It is a classical version of a London Dry sipping gin. It builds on the familiar juniper foundation with a flavour of citrusy blossom from lemon peel, a warmth from coriander seed, and a refined gin taste from a delicate blend of orris root, cassia bark and liquorice root.

Compliment a generous measure of Urban Rhino and your favourite tonic with a thin lemon peel to enjoy a combination of fresh flavours. For extra zing, we recommend pairing with elderflower tonic and adding orange peel and a sprig of rosemary to bring out the cassia we use during the distillation process.

What do you love abut Gin/Distilling?

At Urban Rhino, we love the power that our gin can make a difference in the world. Unlike other gin brands, our focus goes beyond crafting a remarkable spirit, and our competitive difference lies in our unwavering commitment to rhino conservation.

With every sip of Urban Rhino Gin, you are not only enjoying a superbly crafted and sustainably produced London Dry Gin with only six botanicals, but also actively contributing to the protection and preservation of endangered rhinos.

Our simple award-winning recipe embodies authenticity and high-quality craftsmanship, offering gin enthusiasts the opportunity to be changemakers in the fight against extinction. Through moments of pleasure, we will engage others who will amplify our story. And we will not stop until we have built a future where rhinos roam freely and generations to come can cherish their magnificence.

What made you want to start a distillery?

Back in 2018, when my husband and I were contemplating our next move in my naval career or beyond, we found ourselves exploring various professional avenues. After careful consideration, I felt a deep calling to delve into the captivating and intoxicating world of distilling. It was more than just a passing interest; it was a genuine passion that I yearned to pursue. Utilizing the invaluable education grants provided by the Navy, I seized the opportunity to immerse myself in a master Distillery course, equipping me with the knowledge and credentials required to excel in this field of wine and spirits.

Do you have any exciting plans for 2024?

In the exciting year of 2024, Mother’s Ruin 1751 Distilling Co. has some thrilling new products in the pipeline. Be sure to keep a close eye on our social media channels for updates on when these exciting launches will take place. As a tight-knit, family-run business, we are always looking to expand our team and bring in fresh talent. That’s why this year will also witness the arrival of new members who will undoubtedly contribute their unique skills and passion to our growing enterprise. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and join us in raising a glass to a prosperous future!

Can you tell us about any new products in the pipeline?

There will be, however, a highly exclusive and limited-edition product that will be exclusively available for purchase at The Gin To My Tonic Shows and through our official website. But fear not, as we will keep you eagerly anticipating its arrival – just watch this space to find out what this extraordinary creation is all about. For the ultimate experience, be sure to visit our home page where you can find our comprehensive calendar of upcoming shows. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to explore our full range of meticulously crafted and passionately curated products, available exclusively at these remarkable events. So, if you’re eager to immerse yourself in the world of gin, be sure to join us at one of these upcoming shows and embark on a truly unforgettable sensory journey.

Would you ever consider experimenting with other spirits such as vodka or rum?

I’m always experimenting! Sometimes more successfully that others! We have made a few batches of rum from scratch, but seeing as I don’t like the stuff, I couldn’t really judge it – friends liked it, but it’s too much of a messy process! We’ve played with a ‘Christmas Chello’ this year, which we’ll certainly be pushing out next Christmas. Vodka is certainly in the making for Spring 2024.

How long did it take you to finalise your Limoncello Gin Recipe?

Absolutely years! It wasn’t until we went to the Amalfi Coast and learnt how to make the base limoncello the Italian way, that we started to import our lemons. A few summer parties later with friends and family sampling the blends with gin did we nail it.

What’s your favourite product and why?

Chilli & Lime Gin doesn’t seem to last long in our house, in fact, we have stopped bothering to bottle it and it now comes straight from a jug! Mixed with a Ginger Beer, fantastic!