I am a self confessed huge gin fan, and sourcing out independent gin events is probably one of my most favourite things to do! Especially when it’s for one of my favourite gin producers, the fabulous London based Sipsmith. I found them in London about 4 years ago, and was delighted to catch them at the Wilderness festival last year.
So if you are out of ideas for a unique and fun London event, have you considered gin tasting at one of London and indeed the UK’s premier gin distilleries? Sipsmith, based in West London, started just over 10 years as an initiative between 2 school friends, who now pride themselves both on the product and the “ginaissance” they clearly influenced! Sipsmith has the landmark of being the first independent gin distillery in over 180 years! It’s quite clear: London is awash with gin events again and quality distributors like Sipsmith leading the way- but how are you getting involved?
We visited Sipsmith after booking online for the tour- I would describe it as definitely more a tasting session than a physical tour, as you will stay in the same room as where the gin magic takes place. We paid £25 each per ticket, and joined a group of another 15-ish others to learn about the distillery one evening after work at about 6.30pm. The perfect time, as the distillery is based in West London, in the Chiswick area, so just to give you enough time to get there, and settle in with a large G and T on arrival!
We tried a variety of their gins, and I was delighted as I had been wanting to try their Lemon drizzle flavour for ages, and the new Orange and Cacao was also on offer: this one is going to be my new favourite! If, like me, you find you can’t drink back even the smallest of samples (and these were a very decent size), the staff are only happy to add extra tonic for you. I loved hearing about the production, how it takes 7 hours to make a batch, and the various ingredients chosen for each flavour. There is clearly a lot of love and care in the production. The talk was funny, and informative, and our attention was well held.
I also felt that way about the funny, beautiful and detailed emails I received in advance, advising that Constance, Prudence and Patience, the “3 copper ladies” were looking forward to welcoming us. Here’s a picture of Constance-on the right- in beautiful action!
The only sad thing is they don’t have a license to sell their deliciousness after the event- but you will get a 10% voucher included in your goody bag to treat yourselves to.
Link: https://sipsmith.com/ Here you will find all the information about the brand, and extra information on exciting sounding cocktail classes, and a “sipper club” evening, which involves local fine dining.
Price: £25 per adult
Nearest tube: Stamford Brook/Turnham Green. We took the tube to Hammersmith and got the bus up from there, took about 10 minutes from there with a variety of buses to take you along.
Do let me know if you attend, or to any other of their events! I’m always up for hearing more details on well-organised gin evenings.
Clare x
Loving Living London 