Wavertree born Gin Distiller, John Smith, is returning to his home city to share his story at the Liverpool Gin to My Tonic Festival in September.
The Liverpool Gin to My Tonic Festival will take place on the 6th to the 8th of September in the Exhibition Centre at Kings Dock. The event offers well-stocked gin and cocktail bars, as well as cocktail making masterclasses, taste challenges, presentations from distilleries, tonic and garnish tutorials, and theatrical bartender performances. But the main attraction is the large variety of distilleries, artisan gin makers and tonic manufacturers in attendance – a gin heaven. John is the co-founder of small batch gin distillery Exmoor Distillery which opened in 2017. Returning to where it all started, John will be showcasing his unique creation at the largest UK gin festival, Gin to my Tonic, which will see over 60 different gin brands come together. To buy tickets Liverpool The Gin to My Tonic Festival.
Reflecting on his first year since the launch, John said: “I’m so proud that we have established a business that is a success, we’re producing and selling and it’s fantastic to actually be able to make something people love and enjoy. I feel true pride and satisfaction that it’s my recipe and my product, and that it’s something that hasn’t existed before.”
John said: “I’m so excited to head back up to Liverpool after years of travelling the world. Liverpool is a place very close my heart, having spent my whole childhood there and attending Riversdale College of Technology to train in Electronics and Communications Engineering which led me to my career that took me all over the world. This visit will be very special as I finally get to share my gin creation with my home city.”
After tasting many gins along his travels and not finding the perfect recipe, John, a natural craftsman, decided there was only one thing for it, to make his own.
John’s first creation was Northmoor Gin, named after the road where he and his wife Nicola now live in Exmoor. “I enjoy a high-quality spirit myself and I’ve always been fascinated in the production and distillation process. I’ve done lots of research on the best way to do it and believe I’ve found the perfect method.”
It took many months for John to perfect the distillery’s first unique recipe for Northmoor Gin, with over 45 variations tested until he was fully satisfied. He explains: “To reach the final blend was a process of trial and error with minor changes made to the recipe until it was just right.”
Northmoor Gin’s premium recipe packs an authentic taste sensation, infusing traditional juniper berries with carefully considered and chosen botanicals including coriander, angelica root, grains of paradise, lemon, cinnamon, rowan berries, winter savoury, orris root powder and kaffir lime leaves.
John and Nicola are travelling up from Exmoor to offer tastings and share their story at the Gin to My Tonic Festival. Check them out on Instagram: ExmoorDistilleryLtd
To buy tickets Liverpool The Gin to My Tonic Festival.