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othing beats the refreshing smack of a G & T on a hot summer’s day. Come to think of it, a good gin goes down a treat in any weather.

The juniper-infused refreshment is a quintessentially English tipple soused in a rich history, if only someone could remember it…

Thankfully, Plymouth Gin’s master distiller has remained perfectly lucid and is more than happy to drench you in gin-based facts and take you through the history of Plymouth Gin on a day course.

The nation’s beloved mother's ruin has been distilled in Black Friars Distillery, the working home of Plymouth Gin, since 1793, making it the oldest working gin distillery in England. So what better place to try your hand at making gin than in this historic port location?

The master distiller shares his expertise, presenting the all-natural ingredients, including juniper berries, orris root, lemon, coriander, angelica, sweet orange, and cardamom pods, that combine to create that distinctive flavour. The exact quantities are a closely-guarded secret.

Then, in what is the most fun science lesson imaginable, your concoction vaporises and travels along glass piping to condense into a bottle at the other end. Add a splash of water and voila - you have your very own bottle of handmade gin.

Cheers.