This January, ring in the next decade, and all of the amazing places it will take you, with a gin inspired by the sense of achievement and adventure we’ll be embracing in this brave new world!
Here, we meet the founders of our Gin of the Month for January 2020, Altitude Gin, to discover the story behind this unique spirit. What inspired them to capture the flavour and spirit of the Alps in a bottle? And what challenges did they face along the way?
Tim, Barney and Kirstine, the co-founders of Altitude Gin
A moment that changed everything
When Tim Welch reached the summit of Mont Blanc, with the world unfolding beneath him in jagged waves of ice and rock and snow, spreading out into the expanse of France, Switzerland and Italy, he was whirling with emotions.
First, elation: he had just reached the summit of Western Europe’s highest peak, an achievement that would top many a bucket list. Then, wonder, at the sheer beauty of the mountain scene in all its glory stretching before him.
A photograph of Tim’s memorable moment at the stunning summit of Mont Blanc now hangs in the office where he works alongside his friends and business partners at Altitude Gin, Kirstine Newton and Barney Wharton.
Together, this team of friends has put together a gin inspired by his ascent of Mont Blanc and the overwhelming sense of pride and satisfaction that settled upon him as he relaxed at the bottom of the mountain with a G&T, reflecting on his accomplishment.
Reaching new heights - of ambition
To make a gin to match that level of ambition, drive and accomplishment was a challenge to rival the ascent itself. But, in the bottle of Altitude Gin - our January 2020 Gin of the Month - these three Brits have truly risen to the occasion.
Kirstine, Barney and Tim had long been known on the Chamonix après ski scene for eschewing the traditional beers or rosé in favour of gin. And, as they reflected on their experiences in the valley, they started to wonder how they could capture the feeling of being up on the mountain, with a triumphant drink in hand.
A taste of the mountains
Kirstine says, “We wanted to make a refreshing, drinkable London Dry Gin, with a predominant Alpine flavour.
“But how it’s served was just as important – we wanted every drink made with Altitude Gin to showcase a smooth, balanced and refreshing spirit, suffused with fruit flavours from Alpine mountains on a crisp afternoon.”
Most unique for Kirstine was the myrtille berry, which grows on bushes at altitude. Kirstine says, “Slightly tangier and darker than a blueberry, which is its bigger relative, myrtille berries are used in a multitude of dishes in French mountain cuisine. That’s where the idea began: we could make a gin with this native fruit, and celebrate the millions of journeys this mountain has seen.”
The Altitude Gin team were inspired by their time in the Alps
Fresh challenges and an uphill climb
But as the team were moving forward with their recipe development – bringing in master distiller Dr David Clutton, the man behind some of the world’s most recognisable gins, to fine-tune their spirit – they were also becoming more aware of the peril that the inspiring Mont Blanc was facing from climate change.
Climate change is affecting Mont Blanc disproportionately: according to Hillary Gerardi of the Centre de Recherches sur les Écosystèmes d'Altitude (CRÉA-Mont Blanc), the Alps are warming at twice the rate of the rest of the Northern Hemisphere.
Making a difference
Motivated to help protect their beloved alpine landscape any way they can, Altitude Gin is now working in collaboration with CREA-Mont Blanc. This incredible organisation carefully monitors the impact of climate change on the mountain and the surrounding area, making its findings public to help governments and decision makers choose the course of action that will help alleviate the pressures of climate change on these unique ecosystems.
Kirstine explains, “It’s always been our goal to support the conservation of Mont Blanc, and we’re proud to donate one Euro for every bottle of Altitude Gin sold to charities that share our passion to protect the mountain.”
Introducing Craft Gin Club’s January 2020 Gin of the Month: Altitude Gin
43% ABV
January 2020’s Gin of the Month is inspired by the peaks of Mont Blanc and the Alpine town of Chamonix, using botanicals grown at altitude, giving it a fresh, smooth and balanced flavour, suffused with fruit flavours of Alpine mountains on a crisp afternoon.
Altitude founder Kirstine says: “We hope that Craft Gin Club members will enjoy our Alpine taste sensation and feel totally at one with the mountains - an “elevated” G&T experience!”
Botanicals:
Juniper, Coriander Seed, Angelica Root, Sweet Orange Peel, Green Cardamom, Dried Myrtilles, Pine Needles, Elderflowers
Tasting Notes:
On the nose and palate, Altitude mingles the fresh piquancy of pine, coriander and citrus with the fruity yet floral flavours of myrtilles and elderflower. This makes for a beguiling blend evocative of an alpine meadow, with the earthy aftertaste of angelica root lingering on the finish.
Have you tried our Cocktail of the Month, featuring Alpine Gin, yet?
This warming spiced apple tipple is the perfect alternative to your usual G&T during the colder months!
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