Episode 27 - Legacy
Welcome to the Still Magic Podcast your one click audio stop for all things gin. Be it gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin, drinking gin, steeping, and everything else in between.
The Still Magic jalopy makes its way to a village called Dala near Härnösand in Sweden.
And it is here that will find the magic that is Hernö Gin, the progeny of Jon Hillgren’s passion, and a still named Kierstin. The gin comprises a solid London Dry backbone, a product of Jon’s first interest in gin, no fewer than 20 years earlier during heady days in London. The gin’s traditional juniper and coriander undergo maceration for no fewer than 18 hours. The botanical listing also includes cassia, black pepper, lemon peel and vanilla. Expressing a sense of place comes to the fore as well, with lingonberries, and meadowsweet – a plant that grows prolifically around the distillery – rounding out the botanical line-up.
The Hernö story is a remarkable one, replete with global accolades for outstanding products (IWSC’s gin and tonic gin in 2016 and 2020), as a business (IWSC Gin Producer of the Year 2016, 2017) and for receiving no fewer than 106 gold medals. The most awarded gin in Europe.
A commitment to quality, authenticity, care, and attention. It is easy to see what makes Hernö a great gin. In every sense Hernö gin is a dream come true.
Join myself, @antipodeanharpie and @nisholay as we put this European giant through its paces neat, and with various tonics during a LIVE tasting at the Social Isolation Party bar.
Be bold. Enjoy yourself. Let’s creative a new gin narrative.
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Host: Marcel Thompson @stillmagicway
Guest contributor: @antipodeanharpie @ nisholay
Editor: @alexiepigot.
Still Magic
Hosted by award winning gin distiller and educator Marcel Thompson, the Still Magic podcast provides insights concerning gin making, gin producing, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin drinking gin steeping and everything else in between.
Each podcast episode brings gin's centuries-long history to life in a contemporary setting, season by season. This includes assessing an array of different gins in efforts to determine what makes a great gin.
Local and international distillers share their insights as well. You'll receive a rare glimpse into the energy, passion, and desire that manifests itself as wonderful products people enjoy worldwide.
Collective experiences from episode guests will show that the following principles are as applicable to a gin making journey as any other new, exciting, or challenging endeavour
- Simplicity is best;
- Less is more;
- Inexperience is no barrier to success.
Be bold. Enjoy yourselves. Let's create the next gin narrative...