Founded in 2009, the Sipsmith Gin company now located on Cranbrook Road, Chiswick has been creating high-quality gin ever since it began. The company itself was formed when two childhood friends got together and agreed on working towards a common goal – producing the finest premium gins around.
When they originally set up shop in Hammersmith, just a stone’s throw away from their current location, they became one of just 4 gin distilleries located in England’s capital City – something that remains the case today. Within the walls of the Sipsmith Gin distillery, you’ll find three beautifully crafted copper stills, with their first being the first of its kind to be found in London for more than two centuries.
Prudence, Patience & Constance
That copper still is known affectionately as Prudence, with its name being given with more than a touch of irony – as the UK’s prime minister at the time was advocating prudence in the midst of the last financial crisis. Contrary to this advice, the Sipsmith Gin founders, Fairfax and Sam were selling their homes to raise the money to start the company we know today and there are many gin lovers out there who are delighted that they didn’t listen to Gordon Brown!
The second of the two copper stills arrived in 2013 and was given the name Patience. Having originally started life as a maceration tank, they had to wait a full 6 months before moving to their new home, for her to be fitted with the equipment required to turn her into a fully fledged still – hence the name Patience.
Lastly came Constance and since her installation, she has been dedicated to creating Sipsmith Gin’s London Dry Gin. Now, they don’t know what they would do without her and her name relates to that fact.
Small Batch Distillation
In 2016, the Sipsmith company was sold and is now owned by the Japanese company, Suntory, however the gin is still manufactured in small batches of around 300 bottles at a time, with absolutely no automation used. And every part of the process that creates such amazing, full-bodied gin is carried by hand. It’s an ethos the company holds dear and its a passion that’s evident in the aromas and flavours in every bottle they produce.
So, why is Sipsmith Gin still manufactured using copper stills when there are more modern, computer-assisted varieties around? As the name of the company would suggest, they’re all about manufacturing gins smooth enough to be sipped and using a copper still is particularly adept at removing impurities from the botanicals, as well as the base spirit.
A Taste Sensation
Taste any of the varieties from the complete range of Sipsmith Gins and you get an immediate sense of the care and attention that goes into their production. From the super smooth taste of their classic London Dry Gin to the deeply refreshing taste of their Lemon Drizzle Gin with its zesty zing, there is a veritable cornucopia of taste experiences to be had.
We hope and trust that you enjoy tasting each and every one of them.
