Sunday, April 30, 2017

London’s Fastest Growing Gin Expands in the U.S.


From our friends at Portobello Road Gin...

World Renowned Gin Experts and Owners of London’s The Ginstitute Launch Portobello Road Gin in Washington, DC

Developed and distilled in London by the team of experts behind the famed Portobello Star pub and The Ginstitute at 171 Portobello Road, Portobello Road Gin announced the brand’s launch in Washington, DC in February 2017 after initial launches in New York and Pennsylvania in 2015.

To celebrate their expansion in the U.S., Portobello Road Gin officially launched in the nation’s capital on February 9th. An intimate launch event was held at Bar Pilar in DC, where bartenders and spirits connoisseurs alike had the opportunity to meet with some of Portobello Road Gin’s founders and partners to discuss the brand’s ongoing stateside expansion and to learn more about this acclaimed English spirit.


Portobello Road Gin is leading the current ‘ginaissance’ with a London Dry Gin whose juniper forward profile is balanced by eight additional botanicals. On the front of the palate, Portobello Road Gin has a generous slug of juniper, the mid-palate has a sustained, fresh citrus character from the use of lemon, bitter orange and coriander, which then develops into a sweet peppery finish, which is achieved by the use of licorice and nutmeg, while cassia bark lends a sweet spice note that enables the drier elements to shine through. Bottled at a punchy 42% ABV, these ingredients combine to create a uniquely versatile gin.

Originally developed at The Ginstitute above the Portobello Star Pub in London on the London’s world-famous Portobello Road, The Ginstitute houses a unique collection of gin related memorabilia and is home to a 30L alembic still, named “Copernicus the Second.” The Ginstitute hosts history classes on gin, where “Ginterns” develop their own bespoke gin and walk away with a full size bottle of their own signature gin while their recipe is kept on file to reorder.

It was whilst putting together The Ginstitute that the partners, veteran bartenders and restaurant owners, Ged Feltham, Jake Burger, Paul Lane and Tom Coates, decided that if they were going to provide this experience to consumers that it wouldn't be complete without a gin that could call The Ginstitute home. In the nine months of experimentation that followed, the character of Portobello Road Gin was slowly created. The unique combination of the nine botanicals is what sets Portobello Road Gin apart and what has sold it into over 3,000 bars and restaurants in England.

“We wanted it to work in a host of different styles of cocktails and still create a premium gin that wasn’t in the premium gin category in terms of price. Something that had a traditional element, but tells the story of London Dry Gin and London’s history with gin,” said Tom Coates, Portobello Road Gin’s Brand Director.

Most recently, Portobello Road Gin launched its much-anticipated venture, The Distillery, in December 2016. The unique, four-floor concept appeals to budding connoisseurs, discerning drinkers, and gin lovers alike, combining two bars, a museum, store, as well as three boutique guest rooms overlooking London’s iconic market street of Portobello Road. The Distillery also serves as the new home of The Ginstitute and the brand’s on-site distillery.

With plans for more expansion throughout U.S. markets, internationally-acclaimed Portobello Road Gin has received several accolades, including a Gold Medal from the 2014 San Francisco Spirit Awards and the award for London Distillery of the Year from 2015 New York Spirits Competition.

For more information please visit www.portobelloroadgin.com.