Portsmouth Distillery Fort Gin

Unveiling the Depths of Portsmouth Distillery Fort Gin: A Detailed Tasting Experience

Fort Gin, crafted by the Portsmouth Distillery Co., is an award-winning spirit that embodies the character of its historic birthplace. Distilled within the walls of Fort Cumberland, this Portsmouth Dry Gin boasts a unique blend of botanicals, including locally foraged elderflower, gorse flower, and sea radish. These intriguing ingredients, alongside classic gin botanicals, culminate in a complex and flavourful spirit, perfect for gin enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs alike.

Aromatic Exploration: The Fort Gin Nose

The first encounter with Fort Gin begins with a captivating exploration of its aroma. Gentle juniper notes provide the foundation, the quintessential characteristic of any great gin. This juniper base is then elevated by a delightful interplay of floral and citrus elements. Delicate elderflower blossoms offer a touch of sweetness, while gorse flower adds a hint of honeyed warmth. The surprise element comes from the sea radish, which imparts a subtle salinity, reminiscent of a refreshing sea breeze. Hints of peppery spice and coriander further intrigue the nose, hinting at the complexities to come on the palate.

Tasting Fort Gin: A Journey Through Flavour

As Fort Gin graces the palate, its silky smooth texture immediately impresses. The initial wave delivers a burst of sweet orange, a delightful counterpoint to the juniper base. As the spirit lingers, a complex symphony of botanicals unfolds. The peppery spice, previously detected on the nose, comes to the forefront, likely influenced by the inclusion of coriander or perhaps the Sichuan peppercorn (a botanical sometimes used in gin). This complexity is balanced by a clean and lingering dryness, leaving a pleasant warmth as it finishes. Subtle floral notes, reminiscent of the elderflower, echo on the tongue, providing a final touch of elegance.

Fort Gin's Awards and Accolades

Fort Gin's quality is not merely a matter of subjective experience. This Portsmouth Dry Gin has garnered recognition from esteemed institutions, solidifying its place amongst exceptional spirits. In 2019, Fort Gin was awarded a Bronze Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in the "Contemporary Styles: Gin" category. It has also been acknowledged by Waitrose in the 2021 Great Taste Awards, further cementing its reputation as a fantastic gin.

Unlocking Fort Gin's Potential: Serving Suggestions

Fort Gin's versatility shines through a multitude of serving options. To fully appreciate its intricate flavour profile, a classic Gin & Tonic (G&T) is an excellent starting point. Here's how to craft the perfect serve:

• Ingredients:
  1. 50ml Fort Gin
  2. 150ml Premium Tonic Water (Indian or Mediterranean style)
  3. Large Ice Cubes (to prevent dilution)
  4. Lime Wedge (for garnish)
• Instructions:
  1. Fill a copa glass with large ice cubes.
  2. Pour in 50ml of Fort Gin.
  3. Gently top with 150ml of chilled tonic water.
  4. Express the oils from the lime wedge over the glass and drop it in.
  5. Give it a gentle stir to combine.

For a more adventurous twist, explore these creative cocktails that showcase Fort Gin's unique character:

• Elderflower Fizz: Combine Fort Gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, soda water, and a sprig of fresh elderflower for a floral and refreshing drink.
• Salty Dog: For a taste of the seaside, mix Fort Gin with grapefruit juice, a dash of sea salt syrup, and a grapefruit wedge garnish.
• Spicy Paloma: For those who enjoy a kick, combine Fort Gin with grapefruit juice, lime juice, jalapeno slices, and a pinch of smoked paprika.

In Conclusion: A Portsmouth Gin Worth Discovering

Portsmouth Distillery Fort Gin is a captivating spirit that transcends the ordinary. Its local botanical influence, award-winning quality, and delightful flavour profile make it a must-try for gin enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed in a classic G&T or a creative cocktail, Fort Gin promises a unique and satisfying drinking experience.

The Portsmouth Distillery Co.: A Commitment to Quality and Craft

Fort Gin is just one exquisite offering from The Portsmouth Distillery Co. Established by a team with a passion for rum and a love for their city, the distillery embodies a commitment to using high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques.  We at The General Wine Company are proud to offer Fort Gin and other spirits from The Portsmouth Distillery Co. on our website. Explore the range and embark on your own Portsmouth gin adventure today!