58 & Co Gin School - ON IN LONDON

Ever wanted to make you own gin? Then head to 58&Co’s Gin School.

Located under a brick archway in Haggleston, is 58&Co’s gin school. The stills (all named after famous women) are on one side with stools, on the other is a bar with green foliage, and an area with comfy red couches. Back and centre is the main still used for making 58&Co gin. It was a beautiful relaxing space with hanging foliage, and copper tones.

Upon arrival, we were given a welcome g&t made made using 58&Co London Dry gin. Learning about the key ingredients of gin and techniques to make gin was fascination (did you know alcohol boils at 73.8 degrees?). There are 4 categories of botanicals (citrus, spice, herbal and floral) that can be used and we were able to smell a variety of them. Think rose, lemon, orange, grapefruit, thyme, liquorice, Tonja bean, lavender, peppercorn, fennel, rosemary and so many more. There was so much choice, but luckily the skilled distillers helped me choose botanicals to create my unique and personal gin. Next we had to focus on measuring- I couldn’t believe how small an amount of Angelica root is needed!

Whilst the distilling happens sample some gin cocktails made from 58&Co gin whilst enjoying cheese, meats, bread and crackers. This is a perfect opportunity to mingle with other guests, compare ingredients, have a taste of your gin as it is made, and relax. Once the distillation is completed, the distillers bottle our gin, before we dip it into wax to seal it. Finally, we could label our bottle with a quirky name!

A double serve of our own gin is given and we are assisted to choose which tonic or soda to add to it. Given my gin had juniper, Angelica, orris root, lemon balm, bergamot, bay leaf, orange, rose and vanilla, the recommendation was white grape and apricot soda. I hadn’t had that before and it was delicious, bringing out the flavours of the gin.

58& Co London Dry gin comprises of nine botanicals: juniper, coriander, lemon, pink grapefruit, vanilla, orris, cubeb pepper, bergamot and angelica. There’s piney notes, a eucalyptus taste from the pepper, and a spicy yet creamy taste from the coriander seeds. All combine to make a zesty, rich and warm gin.

One of the cocktails was a twist in a gin sour using 58&Co London Dry Apple and Hibiscus gin paired with Mexican soda and basil syrup freshly made that morning. A sweet and fruity serve.

Gin School costs £125 per person and last for three hours. This includes:

3 hour immersive gin masterclass at 58 Ginschool London
4x Signature 58 and Co. gin cocktails per person
1x 700ml bottle of your gin each
1x Party bag each
Gin tasting session
Nibbles

We had a relaxing Saturday afternoon making gin. The 58& co team were knowledgeable and approachable. There was a good balance theory, learning by doing and sampling gins.

Please see 58& Co’s website for availability and booking. They offer gin tasting experience, make personalised bottles of gin based on the botanicals you select for £99, and offer WSET Level 1 and 2 Award in Spirits. The gin tasting is £35 and up to one hour including introduction to the company, understanding the process of making gin, tutored tasting of three gins and a welcome g&t.

58& Co has a number of gins including:
– Apple and Hibiscus Pink Gin (40% ABV) RRP: £40/70cl- a fresh, sweet and crisp gin
-London Dry Gin (43% ABV) RRP: £38/70cl- a versatile and smooth citrus and savoury gin
– Navy Strength Gin (58% ABV) RRP: £48/70cl
With notes of citrus and creamy coriander it’s great in a long drink such as a Tom Collins topped with soda.
– Triple Distilled Vodka (40% ABV) RRP: £36/70cl- a smooth and clean vodka with hints of cream and biscuit, best served with soda and lemon.

Address: 329 Acton Mews, Haggerston, London E8 4EF (by Haggerston Overground station)

Phone: 020 3095 9734

Website: https://58andco.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/58andco

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/58andco

Twitter: https://twitter.com/58andco

Written by Caitlin Neal