Now Dry January is over and your body is sufficiently detoxed after Christmas, I’m here to kick start you’re drinking habits again with gin tasting in Bristol! But fear not, I’m not suggesting you down ten shots in revs, but rather a more sophisticated approach because we’re all adults here…

In fact, I’m suggesting you head to Redfield for a fabulous Infused Spirits workshop, one of the best for Gin tasting in Bristol, with none other than Espensen Spirit.

Disclaimer: While I attended the Infused Spirits workshop complimentary, all opinions expressed here are my own. I endeavour to give you an accurate, truthful and honest review of my experience. I did not receive any money in exchange for this article.

Gin tasting in Bristol – The Hosts

Female owned and run, Espensen Spirit is the official title for Sam Espensen’s delicious range of naturally infused vodkas, gins and whiskies.

Sam has been making drinks for her friends and family for years, and in 2015 went into partnership with her friend Phil Gillies to turn her awesome homemade recipes into a one-of-a-kind business.

Everywhere you look there’s a piece of Sam embedded in the brand from the company logo, to the bottle branding and product range. In fact, the logo features their very own Sauspension Bridge – combining Sam’s love for Bristol and the unofficial mascot Sam’s Dachshund Shecky.

Sam’s experience with a troubled home has not only challenged her to pursue her passion but pushed her to become the best she can be, and this is where the ‘Espensen Spirit’ is derived from – and quite frankly we could all do with a bit of Espensen Spirit from time to time. (Both figuratively and literally speaking)

While Sam’s careful not to overshare her childhood plight, her ‘sob story’ (as she calls it) attributes to her current success, so it’s useful to understand what drives the brand.

One of the things that really struck me about Sam, is that despite her life challenges she remains affable and understands the importance of giving back to both local charities and the environment.

The Italian handmade glass bottles were intended for use as oil and vinegar jars, and Sam is keen to encourage the reusing of bottles whether as a vase or otherwise.

The bottle seals are crafted from cellulose that will degrade faster than paper, and a % of bottle sales are donated to a number of charities in and around Bristol, namely Caring in Bristol.

Gin tasting in Bristol – The Venue

Espensen Spirits are infused using 250 year old copper steel distiller at its home in Redfield – the Bristol Spirit bar Kitchen.

Not only are the spirits expertly crafted here, but the venue itself doubles as a bar with monthly events and pop ups given you cause to return again and again – if not for another plump up the jam Negroni!

On entering the venue, you’ll immediately feel at ease with such quirky little touches around the place. Be sure to notice the original Great Western Railway toilet roll holders in the ‘Whatever’ loos.

Gin tasting in Bristol – The Mini Tasting

Okay so let’s get to the good stuff – the booze! The first half of the two hour workshop involves a mini-tasting of Espensen Spirit’s favourite gins and vodkas.

Sam will guide you through the correct way to taste test the spirits, how not to singe your nostril hair, why you shouldn’t freeze gins, why a true gin is 37.5% and the difference an ice cube makes to the flavour.

The Gins

All of the base gins are made using a multi-award winning and 200 year-old secret family recipe, distilled in a copper pot still. It has well balanced juniper with high citrus and spice, finishing with a sweetness from liquorice (don’t worry, you can’t taste the liquorice) .

Gin Genie

Infused with English blueberries, Gin Genie was the first spirit ever made with Dashchund Skecky making a second appearance on the bottle.

Sam says that “David Bowie is part of the soundtrack of our life at Espensen Spirit, so Gin Genie is our tribute to him. My dachshund Shecky is rocking the flash on the front of the bottle. Cheers to the goblin king.”

50p from every 50cl bottle, and 20p from every 20cl bottle of Gin Genie is donated to a local Bristol cancer charity.

Pump up the Jam

Made using British raspberries and a little bit of sugar, Pump up the Jam was crafted especially for those who don’t like gin. Bristol’s only pink gin is ‘summer in a glass’ and perfect with a mixer, as a sipping shot or within a negroni cocktail.

Sam says “I am a huge old school hip hop fan, and spend many happy nights dancing round my house to Naughty By Nature, The Goats and The Beastie Boys. I am also mad keen on a bit of Technotronic, so calling our Raspberry Gin Pump up the Jam was a no brainer. And the first time I met our illustrator Richard, was in 1987 when I was 13, and I was walking round Wincanton in Somerset with a ghetto blaster blaring out Madonna.”

50p from every 50cl bottle and 20p from every 20cl bottle of Pump up the Jam will be donated to homeless charities in Bristol. 

The Vodkas

7.5% less strong than Gin, you can take a big sniff of the Vodkas without singing off your nose hairs. But really, the only way to taste test the vodkas is to do like the Russians do – neck it!

Ruby Cuby

Ruby Cuby’s ingredients include British vodka, English Rhubarb and Madagascan vanilla. This recipe has been perfected over six years to allow the true flavour of the rhubarb to shine through without the need to add sugar.

‘If Willy Wonka made vodka, this is the kind of creation you’d expect out of his distillery.’ MoonPig

50p from every 50cl bottle and 20p from every 20cl bottle of Ruby Cuby is donated to The Racehorse Rehoming Centre in Chard, where Sam’s aunty volunteers, and who give ex-racehorses a worthwhile future.

PG Sips

PG Sips is made with pink grapefruit and raspberries, and is one of the first drinks that Sam Espensen ever made. It’s delicious drunk chilled and neat, and tastes fruity, fresh and tart. This is great as a low calorie option when paired with soda, or together with rum, champagne, prosecco or a cocktail for those a little braver.

Sam says “The inspiration behind the name PG Sips came from our co-founder’s initials, as her name is Phil Gillies, and also from the pink grapefruit in the drink. The cat on the bottle illustration is called Joni (after Joni Mitchell). She is proud, a bit wild and furrily beautiful – the perfect Espensen Spirit woman. Joni lives with Phil in Islington. “

50p from every 50cl bottle, and 20p from every 20cl bottle of PG Sips is donated to a South West animal sanctuary. 

It’s safe to say that by now, you’ll be feeling pretty merry. As Gin and Vodka connoisseurs, it’s time to infuse your own spirit!

Gin tasting in Bristol – The Infusion Workshop

Choosing from either Gin or Vodka, a large Kilner jar half filled with the chosen spirit will be provided ready for infusing. During our workshop the Gin-lovers created an infusion of Clementine bay and ginger gin, while the Vodka drinkers like me infused a pineapple, turmeric and lemon vodka.

I opted for the latter and while you may illicit some concern over wielding a knife after a few, you’ll be fine!

First, we cubed the pineapple and dropped this in to the kilner jar filled with vodka. Next we grated lemon peel and added to the mixture.

Next came the turmeric.

Then six spoons of sugar (less for the gin).

And Voila!

There you have the successful beginnings of your very own infused vodka. You’ll leave the workshop feeling merrily pissed with a Kilner jar of lovely booze to finish off at home. Your instructions will be to shake the concoction every day for three weeks, taste testing as you go. After three weeks, sieve out the infused vodka and serve up to friends and family like the expert crafter you are.

 

A Final Word

The workshops are available for birthdays, hen/stag dos, gin tastings and as speciality infused spirits workshops at £40 per person.

All Espensen Spirits are incredibly versatile tasting great with a variety of mixers, added to prosecco, and used in a cocktail or enjoyed as a sipping shot. Bottles can be purchased online here or in store.

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