Page 133 - Cool Britannia

133The new wave of craft gin distillers have taken on a different twist down in Brighton. Where, in a chance meeting over a G & T or two, Helen Chesshire and Kathy Caton embarked on a project to set up the city’s frst ever, legal distillery and establish what is believed to be the frst female distilling duo in the world. Their resolve was to give the city they love the gin it deserves. Over the following year they worked away at this labour of love whilst continuing to plug other people’s products, Helen working for Champagne Pol Roger and Kathy as a broadcaster for, amongst others, the BBC. Their determination and drive fnally paid off and in 2013 Brighton Gin became a reality. These days, in a small room beneath The Urchin Pub in Hove, their distilling still stands proud.To see that conversation in the pub turn in to a product on the shelves, via the perils and pitfalls of licensing, burning wax, early morning raw gin tastings (which are apparently not nearly as much fun as they sound) and exploding stills has been an incredible journey for them both.In the last year this small batch artisan gin has won a series of awards, including being named as one of the top gins of 2015 by The Sunday Times and in the top three food and drink producers in Sussex. They trade solely with independents and have been listed with both Harvey Nichols and Fortnum and Masons.So what makes this gin stand apart? Well, they have tried to incorporate Brighton’s buzzing energy into every aspect of their product. The bottles’ labels and wax seals are the same sea green as the railings on Brighton’s seafront prom. Other local landmarks such as the pier and Royal Pavilion, as well as iconic events such as the Veteran Car Run from London to Brighton, are all mentioned on the ticket shaped label. The ticket shape itself a symbol of the drinking journey in store. These passionate gin lovers truly seem to have encapsulated their city’s spirit and we think this handcrafted gin is most defnitely worth a test drive.