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Greenall’s is considered one of the oldest brands of gin and has been produced in the UK for over 250 years. A detailed recipe for the drink in the history was known only to the seven main masters of the plant. The brand is owned by G&J Greenall, which has been part of the Quintessential Brands international group since 2011.
Historical information
Greenall’s was created by Thomas Dakin, the master distiller who pioneered London Dry Gin. The bottling took place at the Warrington distillery in June 1761, with wheat alcohol and eight plant ingredients. Dakin managed to create a quality drink and raise the reputation of gin, which at that time was a cheap low-grade alcohol and a real disaster for the capital of Great Britain.
In 1788, Dakin met the Greenall brothers at a club where businessmen met and discussed business. The entrepreneurs became friends, and soon the Greenalls first rented and then bought the distillery in Warrington. The gin was renamed Greenall’s, but the original recipe was kept unchanged. The plant passed from one generation of the family to another, but the popularity of the drink remained unchanged for several centuries.
In 1960, due to the growth in production, the distillery moved to a new building. A significant role in the further development of the company was played by the launch of triple-distilled vodka Vladivar, which came in second place in terms of sales in Scotland. In 2005, a fire broke out in the warehouses of the enterprise, which practically destroyed all the buildings. Only the distillation equipment was saved. Production was restarted only four years later.
By the opening of the plant, the company launched a large-scale advertising campaign and developed a new bottle design. Over the next few years, the volume of production increased three times. More than 1,2 million bottles of Greenall’s are sold annually in the UK alone. The company produces seven types of gin, including both classic London Dry and dessert varieties with the addition of berries and fruits.
Production features
The production of Greenall’s gin is fully automated. The company’s chief distiller, Joan Moore, is working on the recipes. According to the master, the flavor bouquet of gin is formed by three ingredients – juniper, coriander and angelica. Citrus zest, toffee, licorice and cassia give different shades. Almonds bring a characteristic bitter note to the drink.
Spices insist for at least eight hours on a mixture of wheat alcohol and natural water from springs located in the Cheshire Plain. During distillation, vapors saturated with essential oils rise and enter the condenser, where they are cooled and again pass into liquid. The quality of the finished drink is controlled in special chambers equipped with laser sensors.
Awards:
- World Gin Awards 2015, London – gold medal;
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2015, San Francisco – bronze and silver medals;
- International Wine & Spirit Competition 2015, London – silver medal;
- International Spirits Challenge 2018, London – silver medal.
Interesting Facts
- The copper equipment salvaged from the fire continues to operate at the new plant. Stills Gilbert and Edward are designed for 3 and 6 thousand liters of distillate.
- After each processing cycle, the containers are thoroughly cleaned and washed from plant mass residues. Waste raw materials are used by local farmers as fertilizers.
Types of Gin Greenalls
Greenall’s London Dry Gin, 40%
Transparent drink with aromas of juniper and citrus zest. The taste harmoniously combines camphor, lemon and spicy notes. The aftertaste is long and full-bodied – the natural sweetness balances the delicate nutty bitterness. Gin should be served with tonic, ice and lime slices.
Greenall’s Wild Berry Pink Gin, 37,5%
Flavored pink gin without sugar. The smell has hints of red fruits, juniper and lemon. The taste is distinguished by berry sweetness, which is set off by coniferous and citrus notes. The manufacturer recommends pairing gin with lemon juice, rose wine, sweet vermouth, strawberries, raspberries and ginger.
Greenall’s Blueberry Gin, 37,5%
A bluish-colored drink with the addition of natural blueberry extract. The aroma is dominated by floral notes. The taste harmoniously combines camphor, berry and lemon shades. At the finish, blueberries appear brighter. Pairs well with tonic, berry mix, lime and elderberry liqueur.
