Lemon Meringue Pie is one of those classic desserts that’s stood the test of time – beautifully buttery, creamy and citrusy, it’s a retro flavour that’s never gone out of style. Tom Rudman, the maverick distiller behind one of the most experimental distilleries in the UK, grew up with his grandma baking it. He set out to capture its wonderful flavours in spirit form.
The result? Corner 53 L.M.P. Lemon Meringue Pie Gin, which has been selected by a panel of experts as Craft Gin Club’s May Discovery Gin!
What exactly is a Discovery Gin? On top of the Gin of the Month boxes Craft Gin Club sends its members, an extra special spirit is selected to satisfy gin lovers with a taste for adventure. This May, we have something marvellous in store for all of you – absolutely packed with flavour, it’s unlike anything we’ve tried before.
“ When our tasting panel first tried this delicious gin, we were blown away. Combining savoury, biscuity notes with fresh, tart citrus and a generous hit of juniper, this is just like tasting a slice of lemon meringue pie, but in a G&T form. As with the dessert itself, you’ll most definitely want a second helping!”
May 2021 Discovery Gin
Corner 53 L.M.P. Lemon Meringue Pie Gin
Tasting Notes
On the nose, a hit of caramelised lemon. With an intensely creamy and viscous mouthfeel, on the palate there are layers of flavour, sweet and citrusy, with juniper running all the way through. To finish, moreish buttery, biscuity notes.
Botanicals
Juniper, Orris, Almond, Fresh Lemon Peel, Sweet Shortcrust Pastry, Lemon Curd, Meringue
ABV 47%
Meet the Maker
Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the South Downs, you’ll find Corner 53 Distillery, with Tom Rudman at its helm. He first had the idea to create a distillery in 2017, while working as a creative director for a bar company.
Tom says, “I was writing gin list after gin list for different bars and restaurants and got really interested in what makes a craft gin.”
The idea of creating something genuinely craft and completely his own was one he couldn’t get out of his head. He smiles, “I would go out walking with my mum and my dog, and we’d just spend hours talking through ideas. I finally convinced myself to actually do it.”
Tom took the plunge, starting out in a shed in his parent’s back garden. “I taught myself completely from scratch. I invested in a small still nicknamed Angus, and once I’d learned the basic principles of distillation I started playing around.”
From the very beginning his goal was clear – he wanted to create something authentically craft, while also putting his own spin on traditional gin. Working with unusual ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms and olive oil, he built up a deliciously playful and innovative range.
“They’re all weird, wacky and wonderful! It’s been a wild ride – we’re doing a lot of things no one else is doing. It always comes back to the idea of trying to do something different and genuine. Different and gimmicky is really easy to do, but different and real is the challenge.”
Luckily for gin drinkers, it was a challenge Tom was up to, and by the time the idea for a Lemon Meringue Gin popped into his head, he knew just what to do.
“Lemon Meringue Pie is a family favourite – and like most dishes I love, it’s something my grandma used to make.”
Inspired by her recipe, he began playing about on the still. He explains, “Because our stills are actually designed for making essential oils rather than gin, they have a massive vapour basket and column. That meant I could pack kilos of meringue and pastry right into the column of the still and add lemon curd to the wash. The result tasted absolutely incredible – it’s my favourite thing I’ve ever made!”
Tom smiles “It works on so many levels. When you add a bit of tonic and ice, it comes alive, and it’s also great in cocktails.”
How to Drink Corner 53 L.M.P. Lemon Meringue Pie Gin
Lemon Meringue Pie Gin and Tonic
50ml Corner 53 L.M.P. Lemon Meringue Pie Gin
200ml light tonic
Twist of lemon or mini meringue, to garnish
Method
Add your gin and tonic to a copa glass with plenty of ice. Garnish and serve.
Limoncello Meringue Martini
Serves 2
1 large egg white
½ tsp white wine vinegar
65g caster sugar
70ml Corner 53 L.M.P Lemon Meringue Pie Gin
50ml limoncello
30ml lemon juice
Method
To make the meringue, whisk the egg whites with the white wine vinegar until soft peaks form, then start slowly trickling in the sugar while continuing to whisk. When all the sugar is incorporated and the meringue is glossy and smooth it’s ready.
Add the gin, limoncello and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a coupe glass and top with fresh meringue. Char the top of the meringue with a blowtorch and serve.
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