Episode 10
Welcome to the Still Magic Podcast, your one-click audio stop for all things gin be it gin making, gin production, gin distilling, gin manufacturing, gin commercialising, gin tasting, gin drinking, gin steeping and everything else in between.
Today we take a magical mystery tour, evoking images of the middle east and wonderful lands of plenty. A journey like this is one to share.
The subject of today’s segment takes its name from a legendary port where every 3 years King Solomon would receive gold, ivory, pearls, sandalwood, and silver
The original visionary for today’s gin is none other than Thomas Dakin, regarded as the forefather of quality English Gin; and oft described as the original “ginnovator”
In 1761 he bought a property on Bridge St in Warrington, located in County Cheshire equidistant from Liverpool to the East and Manchester to the West.
The Dakin family later sold the business to none other than Gilbert and John Greenall; yes, the founders of the Greenall’s Gin brand
Fast forward some 250 years – and 7 master distillers later – let’s consider today’s gin
It was designed with the ancient spice route in mind – taking in cubeb from Malaysia, pepper cardamom and ginger from India, cumin from Turkey, coriander from Morocco, bitter orange from Spain. Angelica from Germany and juniper of course from its traditional stronghold in the Mediterranean.
The gin’s creator was inspired by visits to these places, keeping an image of the spice markets in mind whilst deciding which spices and botanicals to include; What. A . Fantastic. Calling, I;n sure you'll agree.
The hope and intent is that the gin will remind people of the very same vibrant aromas, tastes, noises and colours of these exotic spice markets, from an important time in history.
With a backstory like that, If ever there was a gin whose values demonstrate heritage, guardianship and legacy, it’s this one.
I’m thrilled and delighted to say that we have one of the many superb gins crafted by Joanne Moore, the architect behind Bloom, Berkeley Square London Dry and Thomas Dakin.
Joanne is the 7th master distiller since 1761 and one of the first female master distillers in the world.
Today, it's time to showcase one of Joanne Moore's finest.
Ophir Oriental Spiced London Dry Gin
Still Magic paperback, digital and audio copies available from your favourite online stores
Narrator: Marcel Thompson
@stillmagicway
Editor: @alexiepigot
Guest contributors: @nisholay, @antipodeanharpie
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...