Sipsmith distillery

Introduction to Sipsmith

A distillery with passion for craft

Sipsmith is a London-based gin distillery that has revolutionized the British spirits landscape by perfectly blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary finesse. Located in Chiswick, West London, this pioneering distillery has earned its reputation as the catalyst for the modern gin renaissance in the United Kingdom.

The distillery stands as a testament to the revival of small-batch, copper pot distillation in London, bringing back a tradition that had been absent from the city for nearly two centuries.

Why we have a soft spot for Sipsmith

At Vault of Spirits, we cherish distilleries that push boundaries while honoring tradition – and Sipsmith exemplifies this balance perfectly. What sets Sipsmith apart is their unwavering commitment to the “one-shot” distillation method, where they never compromise quality for quantity.

Their bold step to challenge outdated licensing laws paved the way for the craft distilling movement in the UK, creating a legacy that extends far beyond their own copper stills.

The History Behind Sipsmith

Origin and development

Sipsmith was founded in 2009 by Sam Galsworthy, Fairfax Hall, and master distiller Jared Brown, becoming the first copper-pot based gin distillery to open in London since 1820. The journey began with a shared vision to create authentic gin using traditional methods and the finest ingredients available.

The founders fought tirelessly to change an archaic law that prohibited small-scale distillation in London, eventually securing the first small-scale distiller’s license in nearly two centuries and sparking a craft distilling revolution across the United Kingdom.

The people behind

The distillery is guided by the original founders’ vision, with master distiller Jared Brown bringing his encyclopedic knowledge of gin history and production techniques to every bottle. Each team member at Sipsmith shares an uncompromising dedication to quality and authenticity.

This passionate collective operates with a simple maxim: “to craft the finest gin possible with uncompromising quality” – a philosophy evident in every drop they produce.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Production at Sipsmith begins with carefully selected juniper berries and botanicals sourced from around the world. Their copper pot stills – lovingly named Prudence, Patience, and Constance – are crucial to developing the gin’s distinctive character.

The distillation process follows the traditional one-shot method, where only the heart of the distillation is used, ensuring purity and exceptional flavor. No shortcuts, no compromises – just meticulous attention to detail at every step.

Maturation and storage

While most of Sipsmith’s gins don’t require aging, their sloe gin and other seasonal variations undergo careful maceration processes. Their VJOP (Very Junipery Over Proof) gin rests with three times the juniper, delivering an intense botanical experience.

The distillery maintains strict quality control, ensuring that each batch meets their exacting standards before being bottled and labeled by hand – a testament to their artisanal approach.

Selected Products from Sipsmith

Sipsmith London Dry Gin – An introduction to the house style

This flagship gin perfectly encapsulates the Sipsmith philosophy. Notes of juniper lead the way, followed by citrus, coriander, and a subtle sweetness from orris root and licorice. The exceptionally smooth mouthfeel makes it accessible to newcomers while satisfying experienced gin connoisseurs.

At 41.6% ABV, it offers the perfect balance of strength and drinkability, making it versatile enough for classic cocktails or a sublime gin and tonic.

Sipsmith V.J.O.P. – An experience for connoisseurs

The Very Junipery Over Proof expression is Sipsmith’s love letter to juniper – the botanical heart of gin. Bottled at a robust 57.7% ABV, this gin delivers an intensely resinous, bold juniper character with a complex array of spice, citrus, and subtle floral notes.

The high proof creates a rich, oily texture that carries the flavors beautifully in cocktails or when sipped neat. This is a gin for those who truly appreciate the botanical complexity that defines exceptional craft spirits.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Sipsmith offers engaging guided tours at their Chiswick distillery, where visitors can witness the entire gin-making process from botanical selection to distillation. The intimate setting allows guests to get remarkably close to the copper stills and understand the artistry behind each bottle.

The tasting experience typically includes 3-5 expressions from the Sipsmith range, providing insight into their flavor profiles and versatility. Tours should be booked in advance as they are highly sought after by gin enthusiasts from around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sipsmith?

Sipsmith is a pioneering London gin distillery that spearheaded the revival of small-batch gin production in the UK. They focus on traditional copper pot distillation methods and uncompromising quality in their pursuit of the perfect gin. Their approach harmoniously blends historical distilling traditions with modern sophistication.

Where is Sipsmith located?

The distillery is located in Chiswick, West London, England. This urban setting connects Sipsmith to London’s rich gin heritage, which dates back centuries and forms an integral part of the city’s cultural and culinary identity.

What characterizes Sipsmith?

Sipsmith is particularly known for their revival of traditional copper pot distillation and their “one-shot” method that never uses concentrate. Their gins feature exceptional balance, pronounced juniper character, and remarkable smoothness. Each batch is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail and quality control.

Where can I buy gin from Sipsmith?

You can find selected bottles from Sipsmith’s range at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their offerings, including both their core expressions and limited seasonal releases, ensuring you have access to these exceptional craft gins that represent the very best of the modern distilling renaissance.