Other British towns have lent their names to some inspiring artisan gins over the years and now Shrewsbury finally has a gin named in its honour – curated and distilled locally and infused with a magic ingredient, Shropshire honey.
Shrewsbury Gin has been developed by the town’s artisan gin parlour Gindifferent in partnership with independent distillery Henstone Distilery, based near Oswestry.
The use of Shropshire honey makes the taste truly unique because it sightly alters the taste of the gin depending on the season the honey bees have been feeding.
Shrewsbury Gin launched this summer, and is proving such a hit with gin lovers that it is already on its fourth batch of production with nearly 750 bottles sold and plans for an Autumn/Winter inspired gin evolution with 1,000 bottles set to be produced in eight weeks.
Shrewsbury Gin is the brainchild of Gindifferent proprietor Darren Tomkins who has held an ambition for many years to launch a special gin that would honour the name of the Shropshire county town.
He launched Gindifferent in the popular Shrewsbury Market Hall six years ago, following a 20-year career in hospitality, working with major brands and venues in the UK and around the world.
“It was always part of the plan to one day launch a gin of our own, once Gindifferent got going. A town like Shrewsbury needs its own gin – something that signifies a place of opportunity, innovation and independence,” said Darren.
“We spent a lot of time sampling and experimenting and we’ve landed on something that I think is really exceptional.
“It’s all about balance when it comes to creating a gin. There’s a lot of complex botanicals in there, so you have got to get the balance right. How it tastes can depend on the season they’re picked, the quality of alcohol and the alcohol content.
“Shrewsbury gin is a classic dry gin, juniper forward and citrus on the nose and palate. There’s orange and lemon in there which really helps to smooth out the alcohol content. We’ve also got hints of bergamot which accentuates the herbaceous notes of the gin.
“Once made it is macerated with black and pink peppercorns to smooth out the edges of the alcohol and add a bit of spice and sweetness. And then we add some Shropshire honey right at the end of the process, which gives a golden tinge and a uniqueness of taste.
“Each batch is truly unique because it depends on what the bees have been feeding on. In spring it tends to be the lavenders and the early blossom. In late spring and early summer there are the tree blossoms, and then, later on, you’ll get wild flowers and what’s flowering in gardens, like roses.
“We infuse the gin with Hedgerow Honey which has hives all over the county, including Shrewsbury.”
Gindifferent worked with market hall neighbour Romy Design to create a Shrewsbury and Shropshire themed label for the bottle.
As well as operating a full-time bar and shop in the market hall, Gindifferent also features pop-up bars outside the market, on Saturdays and Sundays, weather-permitting, and at major public events across the region, from food festivals to music festivals.
Gindfferent will be at Hereford Food Festival on September 2 and 3 and Oktoberfest, Shrewsbury, on October 6 and 7.
