There are now 8 hands toiling together in the gin palace under the direct supervision of our Master Distiller Lesley Gracie.
Each batch of Hendrick’s Gin is crafted just 500 lovely litres at a time. It is how Hendrick’s Gin started in 1999 and how it will remain and allows Lesley, greater control of her careful artistry.
The harmonious combination of the Bennett and Carter-Head stills create an unusually smooth gin like no other that has the required character and balance of subtle flavours.
The Bennett steeps the botanicals in spirit overnight prior to distillation resulting in a rich, complex liquid. Whereas the Carter-Head gently steams the botanicals in a basket atop its lofty neck, so influence is imparted upon the spirit in something akin to a botanical steam bath. This yields a lighter, more delicate spirit.
The Hendrick’s Gin Palace hails from the tiny seaside village of Girvan, which lies in Ayrshire, south-west Scotland. The distillery lies just a mile inland and overlooks the mysterious volcanic island of Ailsa Craig. This alluring outcrop lies uninhabited, save for a few gannets and puffins, but features in many local legends.