The Gin Guide - Desert Island Gins
Boothstown Gin Blog

The Gin Guide - Desert Island Gins

by John Whitlow on Jun 26, 2023

Meet the makers and discover the stories behind Boothstown Gin from Manchester. 

We caught up with distiller John Whitlow to find out more, including how it all started, the inspiration for their gins, what the distillery is like, what John's 'Desert Island Gins' are, and what plans they have for the future.

What did you do before becoming the distiller of Boothstown Gin?

I have  been making Gin for years while I was running my own pub on the edge of Delamere forrest. I sold the pub just before lockdown but continued to run the brand in a limited state. After working a couple of jobs I was offered the lead distiller job at Boothstown Gin. 
boothstown gin bottles and the tessy still

What is the story and inspiration behind Boothstown Gin?

Boothstown Gin was created in late 2019 as a USP for the Coal & Cotton pub where it is distilled. The gins are inspired by a locally famous botanist, Joseph Evans, who used to live in Boothstown. Joseph Evans would frequent the local pubs to offer advice and prescribe his own gin as a remedy.

Can you tell us more about your distillery, still, and distillation process?

We use a copper pot still, configured with an Appalachian style doubler or thumper if you will. This gives us the ability to distill different styles of gins and create smoother gins.

What is your ambition for Boothstown Gin in the years to  come?

We would like to be known across the country for our gins and we have an ambition to export too.

What are your favourite ways to drink your gin?

A classic  G&T or in a Tom Collins.

Can you tell us more about your distillery, still, and distillation process?

We use a copper pot still, configured with an Appalachian style doubler or thumper if you will. This gives us the ability to distill different styles of gins and create smoother gins.

What is your ambition for Boothstown Gin in the years to  come?


We would like to be known across the country for our gins and we have an ambition to export too.


What are your favourite ways to drink your gin?


A classic  G&T or in a Tom Collins.

Desert Island Gins: Which 3 gins would you take with you (other than your own) and why?  

  • Drumshambo Gunpowder Gin: A fantastic heavy citrus gin. I love the bottle and the Gin is exquisite. 
  • Filliers 28 Gin: Its like the much lesser known Monkey 47, even down to having more botanicals than most gins - 28. 
  • Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin: An amazing Japanese gin that hasn’t been adulterated by being bought out by the bigger distillers. Light and fragrant with that Japanese twist you would expect. 

If your Boothstown Gin could collaborate with any person or brand in the world, who would it be and why?

Tim  Smith - an American moonshiner turned legal distiller. He is probably forgotten more about making spirits than I will ever  know. It was him that got me interested In making spirits. 



What's next for you and Boothstown Gin - any exciting plans?

 
We a few new favours we have planned for this year!

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