FIRST JOURNEYS - 80 GINS AROUND THE WORLD - PIN 25 OF 80

AROUND THE WORLD, ONE BOTTLE AT A TIME,

PHILEAS FOGG WOULD SURELY APPROVE



There is such a lovely story behind this gin that I simply had to include it in my tour. It is fitting too, as it represents adventure, exploration and sharing a passion for discovering the unknown—which, in many ways, is exactly what this virtual journey is all about.


Although most of my tour is virtual, there are a few destinations I have already visited and others still to come where I have been fortunate enough to experience the place first-hand.


Peru is one of those countries. Many moons ago, I fulfilled a dream of hiking the Inca Trail, and it remains one of the most physically challenging and emotional experiences I have ever had. Standing amongst those incredible mountains and arriving at Machu Picchu is something I will never forget.


But enough about my adventure—let's get back to the story behind this gin!

The journey behind London to Lima (L2L) Gin began with founder and distiller Alex James, who left the British Army looking for a new challenge. Coming from a family with a history in wines and spirits, he decided to immerse himself in the art of distilling.


Alongside his Peruvian wife, Karena, Alex wanted to create something that represented both of their backgrounds and cultures. Their shared passion for adventure led them to move their family to Peru, where Alex created a gin inspired by the journey that brought them there—from London to Lima.


The bottle itself tells this story. The label features both the British and Peruvian flags, the spectacled bear, a native Peruvian species, and their copper pot still, Endeavour. The bear is a fitting symbol of the Andes and its natural environment, with a diet rich in native fruits and plants.

The bottle is made from recycled glass and has the shape of a traditional hip flask, perfect for a spirit inspired by exploration. Turn it around and you will find an expedition map, based on a 1932 map of the Cordillera Blanca, which inspired the search for the perfect water source for their gin.


The distillery is located in the Cañete Valley, around an hour south of Lima, where the coastal desert landscape is transformed by irrigation into a fertile growing region. Fruit trees and palms surround the distillery, and many of the ingredients used in the gin can be found locally.


The water is another important part of the story. Inspired by the purity of Andean glacial water, Alex sources water from high in the mountains, collecting it from a remote village reached by a challenging journey into the Andes.


The route takes him thousands of metres above sea level, and the village also benefits from access to this fresh mountain water.


L2L is a little different from many gins, as it begins with a Quebranta grape spirit—the same grape traditionally used to make Peruvian Pisco. Pisco is a grape brandy unique to Peru and Chile, and this base gives the gin a distinctive character.


Alongside classic gin botanicals, L2L includes a selection of Peruvian-inspired ingredients including pink peppercorn, Peruvian lime, Valencian orange, cinnamon and Peruvian groundcherry (physalis).


The result is a gin that feels like a journey in itself—bright, aromatic and full of the flavours of Peru.



“A British spirit, a Peruvian heart, and a bottle that captures the adventure of crossing continents.”



There are many ways to enjoy it, but I had to create an L2L Sour as a nod to the famous Pisco Sour:


L2L Sour

  • L2L Gin
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Sugar syrup
  • Egg white (or foamer)
  • Dash of bitters to garnish




"Show me a bottle

and I'll tell you a story."