Every month, in addition to the Gin of the Month which features in our Craft Gin Club boxes, we introduce our members to an exciting new Discovery Gin.
Each of the spirits in our Discovery Gin series is delicious, unique and adventurous, and June’s Discovery Gin is no exception! The artisans at Purity Distillery use an unusual multiple-distillation process - which involves distilling an award-winning vodka base a whopping 34 times - to produce an incredibly, well, pure gin that is smooth, summery and full of big, bold flavours.
June 2020’s Craft Gin Club Discovery Gin:
Purity Craft Nordic Old Tom Organic Gin
43% ABV
Organic Botanicals
Juniper, Coriander, Lavender, Cardamom, Angelica Root, Basil, Thyme, Lingonberry, Blueberry
Tasting Notes
A sweet, smooth spirit with bold flavours. The taste of juniper is complemented by the floral, herbaceous notes of basil and thyme. On the finish the gin has a pleasant roundedness, thanks to the subtle aftertaste of Nordic lingonberries and blueberries.
Meet the Maker
Meet Mathias Tönnesson, the master blender behind May’s Discovery Gin. While Mathias spent many years establishing a career as a product developer, today he pursues his true passion: experimenting with bold flavours and unique distillation methods. Tucked away in the 12th-century estate of Ellinge Castle in southern Sweden, he works with his family to make great-tasting spirits.
Ever since his childhood in a small Swedish village called Åkarp, Mathias has loved experimenting with different flavours.
Mathias explains, “Cooking has always been my passion. When I was young I loved to hang out in the kitchen with my mother, who had gone to culinary school. Later in life, I found that making gin is very similar to cooking. Blending gins is almost like making a sauce – you think about how you can get your different ingredients to dance together.”
To make a gin where flavours come together in perfect harmony, Mathias knew he had to begin with a quality base spirit.
He explains, “The secret to having a great gin is having a fantastic base. It’s like cooking with a bad piece of meat versus a high-quality cut. If you base your gin on a lower quality spirit you end up with a lower quality product.”
As fate would have it, Mathias already had the perfect base spirit on hand – an award-winning vodka made in an unusual way. Purity distils the heart of the vodka a whopping 34 times, to make a spirit that is exceptionally smooth and flavoursome.
““We distill our spirit very slowly many times in a specially designed copper still. It can be compared to when you slow cook your food at a low temperature. It gives a lot of taste to the spirit.””
To make his range of gins, Mathias combines his vodka, which has won over 150 awards, with organic botanicals and soft, natural water.
When making Purity Craft Nordic Old Tom Organic Gin, he adds organic sugar to add a touch of summer sweetness.
Mathias smiles, “This Old Tom is a large, bold gin with flavours that blossom in unexpected ways. Tasting the gin is like experiencing the exhilaration of surfing, and the warmth of a summer sunrise.”
While the gin has won praise from sommeliers at Michelin-star restaurants, what Mathias finds most rewarding is seeing his family and friends enjoy Purity Gin.
“My family is very involved. That inspires me to make a spirit that is really special. When my friends and family have a gin and tonic in their hands and they say it tastes great, it makes me really happy.”
What is Old Tom Gin?
Popular in 18th century Britain, Old Tom Gin is sweeter than London Dry Gin, thanks to a dash of sugar added during the distillation process.
According to legend, Old Tom got its name from 18th century London gin shops. To get around the rules imposed by the Gin Act of 1736, these shops would operate in secret. Gin lovers knew that under the sign of a black cat’s paw - Old Tom - there would be a secret slot to put a coin, and in exchange, a glass of gin would appear!
A Beautiful Bottle
June 2020’s Discovery Gin comes in a very unique bottle.
Mathias explains, “The design is called ‘the perfect cut’, which is also the expression you use when you distil your spirit. Another thing that is perfectly cut is a diamond which is the inspiration behind the design.”
How Do I Drink June 2020’s Discovery Gin?
The Red Pepper Gin & Tonic
50ml Purity Craft Nordic Old Tom Organic Gin
100ml tonic
Red peppercorns
Large wedge of organic lemon
Pour your gin into a copa glass with ice. Top up with tonic, stir gently and garnish
Apple Spritz
50ml Purity Craft Nordic Old Tom Organic Gin
25ml lemon juice
25ml apple purée
Prosecco, to top up
Add your gin, lemon juice, and apple purée to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a large wine glass or flute and top with prosecco.
Purity Craft Nordic Old Tom Organic Gin is currently available exclusively to Craft Gin Club members on our Online Shop, as part of our Discovery Series. Buy your bottle now!
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