Maker: Black Friars, Plymouth, Devon, England, UK (Pernod-Ricard)
Style: Plymouth Gin
ABV: 41.2%
Michigan State Minimum: $35
Appearance: Clear.
Nose: Juniper, angelica, iris, coriander, citrus zest.
On the palate: Sweet and delicately spicy. Juniper, root spices, Clementine.
Finish: Spicy and fairly hot. A little bit of sweetness lingers on the lips for quite a while.
Mixed: Gets a little lost in a Tom Collins, but good in a G & T with quality tonic. Makes a wonderful dry martini well-chilled going easy on the vermouth.
Parting words: Plymouth is both a style of gin and brand of gin in addition to being a city (or two). The name is protected under EU regulations. In days gone by there were more than just one gin distiller in Plymouth, but there has only been Plymouth in Plymouth for quite a while now.
Stylistically, it’s between a London Dry and an Old Tom. It has the spice and juniper of a Dry but the delicate body of an Old Tom. It is fantastic in martinis and similar cocktails, adding elegantly balanced flavors and the right amount of body.
It’s a little too expensive to be an everyday, go-to type gin (except for those with bigger budgets) but it’s perfect for sophisticated classic cocktails. It also comes in a navy strength version at 57% ABV for just $5 more. Plymouth Gin is recommended.
Sipology 