THE GIN PASSPORT ATLAS - DISTILLERY STORY- PINNED ON THE MAP - EUROPE
LOOE GIN, Cornwall, UK
I've passed through Looe on trips down to Cornwall before, but that was long before Copperfish Distillery set up on the harbour.
Established in 2018, Copperfish set out to make high-quality spirits in small batches, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
The name Copperfish is a clever nod to two of Cornwall's traditional industries — fishing and mining — with the copper also referencing the stills used in distillation. It seems a very appropriate name for a distillery sitting right on the harbour in a Cornish fishing town.
The team started with moonshine before moving into gin and, rather impressively, rum made completely from scratch. Their aim has always been to create authentic Cornish spirits while supporting local suppliers and keeping production close to home.
Copperfish has continued to expand and now offers distillery tours and tastings, so you can actually see where the magic happens. The experience takes place at their Looe Harbour site and includes a guided tour, tasting and a drink at the end.
I rather like the fact that this isn't a gin that simply borrows a Cornish name. It is actually made in Cornwall, on the harbour at Looe.
The recipe is pleasingly uncomplicated: juniper, coriander seed, orange and lemon peel, cinnamon bark, angelica root and orris root. It is distilled in small batches in their bespoke copper still and is now described by Copperfish as a grain-to-glass gin, made from grain spirit and bottled at 40% ABV.
Proof, yet again, that you don't need a botanical shopping list as long as your arm to make an interesting gin. Get the balance right and sometimes less really is more.
I served it first as a G&T with Mediterranean tonic and didn't even bother with a garnish. If you must have one, Copperfish suggests a twist of lemon or orange, and I can see either working beautifully.
It is bright and citrusy with a lovely juniper character, gentle spice and a clean, dry finish. There is a smoothness to it that makes it very easy drinking, while still giving you enough flavour to keep going back for another sip.
My preference would definitely be to keep it simple and enjoy it as a G&T, but I also tried it in a Bramble.
The combination of gin, lemon and blackberry is one of those things that just works. The fruit brings out the citrus and spice in the gin while adding a lovely jammy sweetness — perfect for those last few days when summer is refusing to leave quietly.
"A little bit of Cornwall in a glass"
Show me a bottle and
I'll tell you a story.
