Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1331779
33 SIPSMITH Brings Craftmanship Back to a Traditional Spirit Jared Brown, Fairfax Hall, and Sam Galsworthy are more than just the founders of Sipsmith Ltd., the makers of traditional London Dry Gin: They're the architects of a craft-distilling movement that has permanently altered Britain's drinking habits. On the surface, producing London Dry Gin in London doesn't seem particularly revolutionary. But this trio had to overcome legislation dating back to the mid-1700s that controlled still size—effectively blocking the production of artisanal-scale small-batch spirits and dashing their distilling dreams. After quitting their jobs, downscaling their homes to raise cash, and persistently lobbying for nearly two years, they persuaded the government to lift the restrictions on the size of stills that could be operated in the U.K. In December 2008, Sipsmith received its precious license and was officially able to challenge the established order of Britain's previously comfortable distilling dynasties. With the aspiration to bring distilling back to the city and the all-important legal clearance, the Sipsmith team now had a premises, a still, a recipe, and the beginnings of a brand. They began making their Sipsmith London Dry Gin using the traditional "one shot" method of distilling, meaning they only mix their end distillate with water to cut it to bottling strength— resulting in a smoother, more-rounded mouthfeel. Along with its London Dry, Sipsmith also produces a sloe gin and a mighty V.J.O.P. Gin (Very Juniper Over Proof). The name tells you exactly what to expect—a 115.4-proof gin that simply explodes with juniper. From the early days of Galsworthy making deliveries of individual bottles on his scooter, Sipsmith has gone global, exporting to the U.S., Australia, northern Europe, and Japan. The company has already outgrown its original distillery, and trade reports suggest Sipsmith's annual growth has exceeded 50 percent the past few years in a row. However, the original team remains committed to the same dream that led them to sell their homes ten years ago: sharing gin of the highest quality with discerning sippers.