World Gin Day: Crafting the Perfect Gin with Miranda Hayman from Hayman’s Gin
7 June 2024
Hayman’s is known as the Original London Gin – tell us about the family’s history of gin making?
We are the last family of original London distillers still making gin in London today. Our gin is distilled to our original family recipe, dating back to 1863, which my great-great-grandfather created, as he pioneered what we now know to be London Dry Gin.
Crafting the perfect gin is a complex process – can you talk us through the stages of making Hayman’s Gin?
Our original recipe uses 10 signature botanicals and a 2-day process (which is rare today) to make our gins. We take our time and don’t believe that the process should be rushed! The recipe gives great depth, balance and complexity to our gins. On the first day, English Wheat Spirit is added to our stills with our 10 botanicals. We stir and leave to steep for a full day. The oils and flavours of the botanicals start to infuse with the English Wheat Spirit and this makes the gin very smooth and balanced when distilled. On the second day, our stills are fired up and the distillation process begins.
What does a typical day in the distillery look like?
Our London Distillery is a hive of activity. Not only do we distill all our gin here for more than 70 countries around the world, we also host gin tours, cocktail masterclasses and workshops for hospitality.
How does Hayman’s differ from other London gins?
We are the last family of original gin distillers in London, and our gin is recognised as the benchmark for all London Dry gins, only made according to our family recipe and with no shortcuts.
In your opinion, what does the future hold for London gin distillers?
London has always been the home of London gin and it’s great that today’s gin drinker is looking to enjoy a more classic style of gin, made with authenticity and with a great story.
Beyond the classic G&T, what are your favourite ways to enjoy gin?
I do love the classic G&T - but often enjoy a Negroni or a Martinez (made with our Old Tom Gin).
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