Plymouth Original Gin 41.2% Vol. 0.7 L

Discover the timeless character of Plymouth Original Gin 41.2% Vol. 0.7L, an exceptional English gin with a distilling heritage dating back to 1793. Crafted at the historic Black Friars Distillery in Plymouth, Devon, this classic spirit combines seven carefully selected botanicals to create a smooth, rounded and beautifully balanced flavour. Its distinctive character brings together fragrant juniper, refreshing citrus, earthy angelica, aromatic coriander and warming green cardamom.

Unlike many strongly juniper-forward London Dry gins, Plymouth offers a softer, fuller-bodied profile with gentle citrus sweetness and a remarkably elegant finish. The traditional recipe is distilled in a copper pot still using neutral grain spirit and soft water from Dartmoor, preserving the gin's recognisable English character. Its distinctive balance makes it particularly suitable for historic cocktails in which the quality of the base spirit is essential. For Drinkero, Plymouth Gin is an excellent choice for Gimlet, Dry Martini, Pink Gin, Negroni, Gin & Tonic, Tom Collins and other classic gin cocktails.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Crystal clear and brilliant, with the classic transparent appearance of a carefully distilled premium gin.

Aroma: Fresh and inviting, combining piney juniper, sweet orange, lemon peel, aromatic coriander, earthy roots and gentle cardamom spice.

Palate: Smooth, full-bodied and beautifully balanced, with rounded juniper, bright citrus, delicate sweetness, earthy angelica and a subtle spicy lift.

Finish: Long, soft and warming, with lingering citrus oils, gentle herbal spice and a pleasantly dry character.

The Heritage of Plymouth Gin

Plymouth Gin is one of England's most historic spirits, with a heritage closely connected to the maritime city of Plymouth.

The gin has been produced at Black Friars Distillery since 1793, making the site one of the most important landmarks in British gin-making history.

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Plymouth was a major naval port and a centre for international maritime activity.

The city's commercial and naval connections helped establish the reputation of Plymouth Gin among sailors, merchants and travellers.

Unlike gin brands that have moved production between different locations, Plymouth Gin has maintained an unusually strong connection to its original distillery.

Its recipe developed a reputation for being smoother and more rounded than many traditional dry gins.

This character made it particularly useful in early cocktails, where the spirit needed to balance citrus, bitters, vermouth and other aromatic ingredients.

Over the following centuries, Plymouth Gin appeared in numerous classic cocktail recipes and became a recognised name among professional bartenders.

Today, the brand is owned by Pernod Ricard, while production continues at the historic Black Friars site in Plymouth.

Black Friars: A Distillery with Centuries of History

Plymouth Gin is produced at the Black Friars Distillery, a historic building in the centre of Plymouth, southwest England.

The site's history reaches back to the early fifteenth century, when parts of the building were associated with a Dominican religious community.

The surviving Refectory Room features an impressive timber roof dating to 1431 and is an important example of medieval architecture.

The building subsequently served different purposes before becoming the home of Plymouth Gin in 1793.

Today, it is recognised as England's oldest working gin distillery.

Its historic surroundings offer a distinctive contrast to the modern facilities used by many contemporary gin producers.

The distillery maintains traditional gin-making methods while applying modern production controls to preserve consistency.

The brand's Master Distiller, Sean Harrison, has worked with Plymouth Gin since 1994 and is responsible for maintaining its historic recipe.

For customers interested in authentic spirits heritage, Plymouth Gin provides a direct connection to more than two centuries of English distilling tradition.

Seven Carefully Selected Botanicals

The character of Plymouth Gin comes from a carefully balanced combination of seven traditional botanicals.

Unlike contemporary gins that may feature dozens of different plants, Plymouth uses a relatively focused selection to create complexity without excessive aromatic intensity.

Juniper berries: Provide the essential piney and resinous character that defines gin. In Plymouth, juniper is prominent but balanced rather than aggressively dominant.

Coriander seed: Introduces aromatic warmth, gentle spice and subtle citrus-like notes that complement the gin's fresh character.

Sweet orange peel: Adds fragrant orange oils and a rounded impression of natural citrus sweetness.

Lemon peel: Provides fresh, bright citrus aromas that help balance the deeper botanical components.

Angelica root: Contributes earthy and woody characteristics, creating structure and a pleasantly dry finish.

Green cardamom: Introduces aromatic spice, fresh herbal complexity and a delicate menthol-like impression.

Orris root: Adds subtle violet-like floral notes and earthy complexity that help unify the botanical profile.

These seven ingredients work together to create Plymouth's distinctive smoothness and balanced flavour.

The gin remains traditionally dry, but its citrus and botanical composition can create a softer impression than some sharper, more juniper-dominant expressions.

What Makes Plymouth Gin Different?

Plymouth Gin is closely associated with a traditional gin style that takes its name from the English city where it is produced.

Historically, Plymouth Gin was distinguished from London Dry Gin by its geographical association and characteristic flavour profile.

The name previously enjoyed geographical protection in the European Union, although that protected status ended in 2015.

Today, Plymouth Gin remains strongly connected to its original distillery and established recipe.

Its character is generally smoother, fuller and more earthy than many conventional London Dry expressions.

Juniper remains essential, but it is balanced by sweet orange peel, lemon, cardamom and earthy root botanicals.

This creates a gin that feels rounded and harmonious rather than intensely dry or sharp.

For cocktail preparation, that difference can be particularly useful.

In a Gimlet, the rounded profile complements lime cordial or fresh lime juice.

In a Martini, its smoothness and earthy botanicals combine elegantly with dry vermouth.

In a Pink Gin, the gin's balanced profile allows aromatic bitters to contribute complexity without becoming overpowering.

The Importance of Juniper and Earthy Botanicals

Juniper remains the foundation of Plymouth Gin, providing the familiar piney aroma that distinguishes gin from other distilled spirits.

However, the spirit's identity is not based solely on intense juniper flavour.

Angelica and orris root add earthy botanical notes that create depth and structure.

These ingredients are particularly important in spirit-forward cocktails, where the gin is not heavily diluted with mixers.

Angelica contributes a dry, woody character that supports the citrus ingredients.

Orris root introduces subtle floral and earthy complexity, bringing another dimension to the overall aroma.

Green cardamom provides aromatic warmth and a delicate freshness.

Together, these ingredients produce a balanced gin with a rounded mouthfeel and a long, gently warming finish.

For home bartenders comparing different gins, Plymouth demonstrates how a traditional seven-botanical recipe can create considerable complexity without relying on unusual fruit flavours or elaborate botanical lists.

Sweet Orange and Fresh Lemon Character

Citrus is an important element of Plymouth Gin's flavour, particularly through its use of orange and lemon peel.

The orange peel contributes rounded, fragrant aromas that create a subtle impression of sweetness.

Lemon peel provides brightness and refreshing citrus character.

These ingredients balance the earthy botanicals and the pine-like flavour of juniper.

The resulting spirit is suitable for cocktails that contain fresh lemon or lime because the citrus notes complement the acidity rather than competing with it.

In a Gimlet, the lime becomes the main citrus ingredient while Plymouth provides supporting botanical depth.

In a Tom Collins, fresh lemon and soda water create a refreshing highball in which the gin's rounded character remains noticeable.

In a French 75, the orange and lemon botanicals complement sparkling wine and citrus juice.

The gin's citrus character also makes it enjoyable in a simple Gin & Tonic with lemon peel.

Traditional Copper Pot Distillation

Plymouth Gin is produced using a traditional copper pot still at Black Friars Distillery.

The gin begins with neutral grain alcohol, which provides a clean foundation for the botanical ingredients.

Seven carefully selected botanicals are introduced during the production process, allowing their aromatic compounds to become part of the distilled spirit.

The copper pot still provides the environment in which these botanical flavours are captured and balanced.

Carefully controlled heating, condensation and distillate selection help maintain the intended flavour profile.

The resulting spirit is then prepared using soft Dartmoor water before bottling at its specified strength.

Neutral grain spirit: Provides the base for the gin's botanical ingredients.

Seven botanicals: Create the recognisable balance of juniper, citrus, spice and earthy notes.

Copper pot distillation: Captures the aromatic character of the botanical mixture.

Dartmoor water: Is used to prepare the spirit at its final bottling strength.

The finished gin preserves the smooth, rounded and aromatic character for which Plymouth is recognised.

The Connection with Dartmoor

Plymouth Gin uses soft water associated with Dartmoor, the upland landscape located north of Plymouth in Devon.

Dartmoor is known for its open moorland, granite formations, streams and long connection with southwestern England's natural environment.

Water plays an important role in preparing gin because the high-strength distillate must be reduced to the intended bottling strength.

Using suitable water helps the producer achieve the desired clarity, texture and flavour consistency.

For Plymouth, Dartmoor water is an established part of the production tradition.

Its use creates another connection between the gin and the region where it has been produced for more than two centuries.

Alongside the Black Friars Distillery and its seven-botanical recipe, the water forms part of Plymouth Gin's distinctive historical identity.

Plymouth Gin and the British Royal Navy

Plymouth's location as an important naval port helped create a long-standing association between the city's gin and maritime history.

For generations, sailors and naval personnel passing through Plymouth encountered spirits produced and sold in the surrounding area.

The brand's historical connection with the Royal Navy is particularly evident in Plymouth Navy Strength Gin.

That expression is bottled at 57% alcohol by volume, significantly stronger than the original 41.2% version.

Historical accounts associate navy-strength spirits with the need for strong alcohol stored aboard ships.

Although both expressions share Plymouth's distilling heritage, they are different products intended for different drinking preferences and cocktail applications.

Plymouth Original Gin: Bottled at 41.2%, with a smooth and rounded character suitable for everyday classic cocktails.

Plymouth Navy Strength Gin: Bottled at 57%, providing a more intense alcoholic foundation for strong gin cocktails.

For Drinkero, the original 41.2% expression offers a versatile introduction to Plymouth's distinctive style.

Why Plymouth Is Important in Cocktail History

Plymouth Gin has an important place in the development of classic cocktails, particularly those associated with the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Its balanced botanical character made it a useful ingredient in drinks combining gin with citrus, bitters and vermouth.

The spirit has long been associated with recipes such as the Gimlet, Pink Gin and Martini.

The brand's official distillery also highlights historical cocktails including the Marguerite and the Pennant.

Early cocktail recipes frequently specified particular gin styles because their different levels of sweetness, botanical intensity and texture could influence the finished drink.

Plymouth offered a distinctive alternative to London Dry and Old Tom Gin.

Its rounded character helped create balanced cocktails without requiring excessive sweetening.

For customers interested in cocktail history, Plymouth provides an opportunity to explore how traditional gin styles influence familiar recipes.

Why Plymouth Gin Is Excellent for a Gimlet

The Gimlet is one of the cocktails most closely associated with Plymouth Gin.

This simple classic combines gin with lime, traditionally using a preserved lime cordial.

Modern variations may use fresh lime juice and sugar syrup instead.

Because the recipe contains relatively few ingredients, the choice of gin has a significant influence on the finished cocktail.

Plymouth's rounded juniper, soft citrus and earthy botanical character complement the acidity of lime.

Its smooth texture helps balance the drink's sharper citrus flavour.

For a fresh interpretation, combine 60 ml Plymouth Gin with 22.5 ml fresh lime juice and 15 ml sugar syrup.

Shake thoroughly with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

For a more traditional variation, use a suitable lime cordial and adjust the ratio according to its sweetness and acidity.

The result is a clean, refreshing gin cocktail that highlights Plymouth's distinctive balance.

The Perfect Gin for a Classic Dry Martini

The Dry Martini is another excellent way to enjoy Plymouth Gin.

Traditionally made with gin and dry vermouth, the cocktail relies heavily on the botanical character and texture of the base spirit.

Plymouth's fuller, smoother profile creates a Martini with elegant juniper, earthy roots, citrus and delicate cardamom spice.

The herbal characteristics of dry vermouth complement these botanical notes.

For one serving, combine 60 ml Plymouth Gin with approximately 15 ml dry vermouth.

Stir thoroughly with ice until chilled and appropriately diluted.

Strain into a cold Martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist or green olive.

A lemon twist highlights the gin's citrus freshness, while an olive offers a more savoury interpretation.

For customers who find strongly juniper-forward Martinis too sharp, Plymouth can provide a more rounded alternative without sacrificing classic dry gin character.

What Is a Pink Gin?

Pink Gin is a historic British cocktail traditionally prepared using gin and aromatic bitters.

It should not be confused with modern pink-coloured fruit gins or sweet strawberry-flavoured gin products.

The classic Pink Gin has a relatively simple preparation: gin, a small quantity of aromatic bitters and optional dilution.

Its historical association with British naval culture makes Plymouth a particularly appropriate choice.

The gin's rounded flavour provides a smooth foundation for the aromatic spice and bitterness of the bitters.

For a straightforward variation, combine 60 ml Plymouth Gin with two to three dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters.

Stir with ice to chill and dilute, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

A lemon twist may be used as an optional garnish.

The result is a dry, aromatic and spirit-forward cocktail that demonstrates how a small quantity of bitters can transform a familiar gin.

Plymouth Gin in a Negroni

The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail made with gin, Campari and sweet red vermouth.

Its flavour depends on balancing the gin's botanical character with the bitterness of Campari and the aromatic sweetness of vermouth.

Plymouth provides a smoother, rounder gin foundation than some strongly juniper-forward expressions.

Its orange and lemon botanicals complement the citrus character of Campari, while angelica and cardamom add subtle depth.

For a classic Negroni, combine 30 ml Plymouth Gin, 30 ml Campari and 30 ml sweet red vermouth.

Stir thoroughly with ice and strain into a rocks glass containing fresh ice.

Garnish with a fresh orange twist.

The result is a balanced, bittersweet cocktail with a soft botanical foundation and refreshing citrus aroma.

For Drinkero customers comparing different gins in the same recipe, Plymouth offers an excellent contrast to more assertive London Dry expressions.

Plymouth Gin Compared with Other Premium Gins

Plymouth Gin offers a distinctive experience compared with the other gins in Drinkero's curated collection.

Tanqueray London Dry: A juniper-forward classic built around four signature botanicals.

Beefeater London Dry: A traditional gin with prominent juniper and bright lemon-and-orange character.

Bombay Sapphire: A ten-botanical gin with a balanced citrus-and-spice profile developed through vapour infusion.

Hendrick's: A contemporary Scottish gin distinguished by cucumber and rose.

The Botanist: An Islay gin featuring 31 botanicals, including 22 wild plants collected from the island.

Tanqueray No. Ten: A premium citrus-focused gin with fresh grapefruit, orange, lime and chamomile.

Gin Mare: A Mediterranean gin featuring Arbequina olives, rosemary, basil and thyme.

Roku: A Japanese gin with sakura, yuzu, green tea and sanshō pepper.

Monkey 47: A highly complex German gin containing 47 botanicals and Black Forest lingonberries.

Plymouth Original: A historic English gin with seven botanicals, a fuller texture and a smoother, more earthy character.

These differences give Plymouth a clear role in the collection, particularly for customers interested in traditional gin styles and historic cocktails.

How Plymouth Gin Complements Cocktail Ingredients

Plymouth Gin works particularly well with ingredients that highlight its rounded juniper, citrus and earthy botanical profile.

Fresh lime: Provides refreshing acidity that complements the gin's softer, fuller character in a Gimlet.

Fresh lemon: Highlights the existing citrus botanicals in a Tom Collins, French 75 or Gin Sour.

Dry vermouth: Introduces herbal and wine-based complexity that complements angelica, cardamom and juniper in a Martini.

Aromatic bitters: Add spice and herbal bitterness for classic Pink Gin and other spirit-forward cocktails.

Campari: Provides distinctive bitterness and orange character for Negroni.

Sweet red vermouth: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to bittersweet cocktails.

Tonic water: Introduces refreshing bitterness and carbonation, allowing Plymouth's smooth botanical profile to remain noticeable.

Honey syrup: Provides gentle sweetness that complements the gin's citrus and botanical character in a Bee's Knees.

Dry sparkling wine: Adds crisp acidity and elegant carbonation in a French 75.

Because Plymouth has a balanced flavour, it is especially useful in classic cocktails where individual ingredients should complement rather than overpower one another.

Why Plymouth Gin Is Excellent for Gin & Tonic

Gin & Tonic is one of the most accessible ways to appreciate Plymouth Gin's smooth botanical character.

The combination of gin and chilled tonic water creates a refreshing highball with gentle bitterness, carbonation and aromatic complexity.

Plymouth's juniper provides the essential gin character, while orange and lemon peel contribute freshness.

Green cardamom and earthy roots introduce additional depth without making the drink excessively spicy.

For a balanced serve, combine 50 ml Plymouth Gin with approximately 150 ml premium tonic water.

Serve in a highball or balloon glass filled generously with ice.

A fresh lemon twist is a particularly good garnish because it highlights the spirit's citrus botanicals.

An orange peel garnish provides a softer, sweeter citrus aroma.

The result is an elegant Gin & Tonic that emphasises smoothness, balance and traditional English gin character.

What Makes Plymouth Original Gin Special?

Plymouth Original Gin stands out through its authentic distilling heritage, seven-botanical recipe and exceptionally smooth flavour profile.

Its production at Black Friars Distillery has continued since 1793, creating one of the strongest historical connections between a gin and its place of origin.

The distillery's fifteenth-century building provides an unusual setting for modern spirits production.

The recipe balances traditional juniper with sweet orange, lemon, coriander, angelica, green cardamom and orris root.

Its copper pot distillation and use of Dartmoor water contribute to a consistent, recognisable spirit.

At 41.2% alcohol by volume, Plymouth offers a versatile strength for both spirit-forward and refreshing cocktails.

Its rounded and earthy style makes it particularly suitable for the Gimlet, Dry Martini and Pink Gin.

For Drinkero, Plymouth is an important addition because it introduces a historically significant gin style that differs meaningfully from both classic London Dry and modern botanical gins.

Perfect for Cocktails

Plymouth Gin is particularly suitable for classic cocktails that benefit from smooth juniper, rounded citrus, gentle spice and an elegant botanical finish.

Gimlet: Combine Plymouth with lime juice and sugar syrup or traditional lime cordial. Its smooth character complements the refreshing acidity.

Dry Martini: Stir Plymouth with dry vermouth and garnish with lemon peel or an olive. Its earthy botanicals create a sophisticated, balanced Martini.

Pink Gin: Combine Plymouth with aromatic bitters for a historic British cocktail showcasing the relationship between gin and spice.

Negroni: Stir Plymouth with Campari and sweet red vermouth. Its rounded citrus profile provides a smooth foundation for the bittersweet ingredients.

Gin & Tonic: Combine Plymouth with premium tonic water and lemon peel for a refreshing and traditionally balanced long drink.

Tom Collins: Mix Plymouth with fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup, then top with soda water for a refreshing sparkling highball.

French 75: Combine Plymouth with lemon juice and sugar syrup, then top with chilled dry sparkling wine.

Bee's Knees: Shake Plymouth with fresh lemon juice and honey syrup to create a soft, floral and citrus-balanced cocktail.

Gin Sour: Shake Plymouth with lemon juice, sugar syrup and optional cocktail foamer for a refreshing sour with a rounded gin foundation.

Serving Suggestions

Plymouth Original Gin is especially enjoyable in chilled classic cocktails where its smooth, rounded and earthy botanical character can remain noticeable.

For a Gimlet, combine 60 ml Plymouth Gin with 22.5 ml fresh lime juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

For a Dry Martini, combine 60 ml Plymouth Gin with 15 ml dry vermouth. Stir thoroughly with ice, strain into a chilled Martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

For a Pink Gin, combine 60 ml Plymouth Gin with two to three dashes of Angostura aromatic bitters. Stir with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass and optionally garnish with lemon peel.

For a Negroni, combine 30 ml Plymouth Gin, 30 ml Campari and 30 ml sweet red vermouth. Stir with ice, strain over fresh ice and garnish with orange peel.

For a Gin & Tonic, combine 50 ml Plymouth Gin with 150 ml chilled premium tonic water. Serve over 150–200 g of ice and garnish with a lemon twist.

For a Tom Collins, combine 50 ml Plymouth Gin with 25 ml fresh lemon juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a tall glass containing fresh ice and top with approximately 100 ml soda water.

For a French 75, combine 30 ml Plymouth Gin with 15 ml lemon juice and 15 ml sugar syrup. Shake briefly with ice, strain into a suitable chilled glass and top with approximately 60 ml dry sparkling wine.

For a Bee's Knees, combine 50 ml Plymouth Gin with 25 ml fresh lemon juice and 20 ml honey syrup. Shake thoroughly with ice and strain into a chilled coupe.

For a Gin Sour, combine 50 ml Plymouth Gin with 25 ml lemon juice, 15 ml sugar syrup and optional cocktail foamer according to its instructions. Shake appropriately and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Use fresh citrus, chilled glassware and accurate measurements to preserve the balanced botanical character of Plymouth Gin.

Product Details

• Brand: Plymouth Gin
• Product: Plymouth Original Gin
• Country of origin: England, United Kingdom
• Region: Plymouth, Devon
• Distillery: Black Friars Distillery
• Gin production since: 1793
• Master Distiller: Sean Harrison
• Brand owner: Pernod Ricard
• Spirit type: Gin
• Style: Plymouth-style Dry Gin
• Base: Neutral grain spirit
• Botanicals: Juniper berries, coriander seeds, sweet orange peel, lemon peel, angelica root, green cardamom and orris root
• Number of botanicals: 7
• Distillation: Traditional copper pot distillation
• Water: Soft Dartmoor water
• Colour: Crystal clear
• Aroma: Juniper, citrus, coriander, earthy roots and cardamom
• Flavour profile: Smooth juniper, rounded orange and lemon, gentle spice and earthy botanicals
• Finish: Long, soft, warming and dry
• Alcohol content: 41.2% Vol.
• Bottle size: 0.7L (700 ml)
• EAN: 5000299608005
• Recommended use: Gimlet, Dry Martini, Pink Gin, Negroni, Gin & Tonic, Tom Collins, French 75 and Bee's Knees
• Recommended garnish: Lemon peel, orange peel or green olive, depending on the cocktail

Storage: Store upright with the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Serve chilled or use fresh ice according to the cocktail recipe.

Discover more with Drinkero: Explore classic Gimlet, Dry Martini, Negroni, Gin & Tonic, Tom Collins and French 75 recipes, discover the differences between Plymouth Gin and London Dry Gin, and use the Drinkero cocktail calculator to measure ingredients accurately for your favourite cocktails at home.