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Gilbey’s (Gilbis) – a traditional English gin that has been produced for about 150 years. At the beginning of the XNUMXth century, W & A Gilbey Ltd was one of the largest distribution companies in the UK. Juniper drink according to the company’s recipe was produced by plants in Australia and Canada. The brand was in high demand in the United States during Prohibition and now holds a leading position in sales in this country. The brand belongs to the British alcohol concern Diageo.
Historical information
The company was founded in 1857 by two brothers, Walter and Alfred Gilby. After returning from the Crimean War, they opened a small cellar in London, where they traded in port wine, sherry and brandy. During this period in the UK, wines from Europe were virtually inaccessible to the middle class due to high duties imposed by the government. The brothers relied on quality products from Cape Town, which they could sell at a low price.
Thanks to an advertising campaign in local newspapers, the company quickly took off. Within three years, the company had more than 20 regular customers. Soon the businessmen managed to open branches in Dublin and Edinburgh, and in 1872 the company became the owner of the gin factory.
The distillery was built in the vicinity of London on the site of a former flour mill, the land belonged to the railway company. In 1894, the firm bought the site and built a tunnel under the rails to connect the workshops and cellars. Gilby’s industrial complex was quite imposing. The plant itself, bottling shops, a blending department, warehouses and multi-storey shops were located on the territory.
In the early twentieth century, the company acquired several Scottish distilleries, including Knockando. Gilbey’s produced blended whiskey with the addition of grain spirits, the bottling plant was located in Edinburgh.
The company remained family owned until the early sixties. Later, the company merged with United Wine Traders, a major importer of spirits. Over the next two decades, owners changed several times, and in 1997 W & A Gilbey Ltd became part of Diageo PLC, a British distributor and manufacturer of spirits with offices on all six continents.
Production features
Gin Gilbey’s is produced according to an old recipe of the XIX century by triple distillation in vertical pot stills. The drink belongs to the category of classic London dry gins. Alcohols are tuned to a mixture of twelve plant components, which include juniper berries, orange peel, coriander and angelica root. Then the gin is diluted with spring water to the desired strength, allowed to settle and only then poured. Gilbey’s is sold in engraved rectangular glass bottles, the design of which has not changed since the 20s.
Interesting Facts
- In 1861, the British government reduced duties on European wines and Gilby’s business was threatened. But the enterprising brothers managed to conclude an agreement for the sale of their products with all license holders in exchange for a clientele. As a result, the firm’s agents appeared in every region of the country, which led to a sharp increase in the company’s income.
- One of the founders of the business, Sir Walter Gilby was a passionate horse lover. He wrote several books on the peculiarities of breeding English horses and headed the London breeders’ clubs. One of the stables was located right on the territory of the gin factory.
Characteristics of Gilbey’s London Dry Gin, 40%
Crystal clear drink with glitter around the edges. The aroma is traditional for gin – juniper tones dominate against the background of lemon and orange shades. At the start, strong coniferous notes appear, then citrus and floral nuances are added. The finish is long and warm, coriander dominates in the spicy bouquet.
