The City of London Distillery

History of The City of London Distillery

The City of London Distillery (COLD) was founded in 2012 by Jonathan Clark. It marked the return of gin distilling to the City of London after an absence of nearly 200 years. Located in the heart of London, the distillery quickly became renowned for its high-quality gins.

The Founder: Jonathan Clark

Jonathan Clark, with a passion for reviving the tradition of gin making in London, established the distillery. His vision was to create a destination where people could not only enjoy premium gin but also witness the distilling process firsthand.

Types of Gin Offered

The City of London Distillery offers a variety of gins, each with distinct characteristics:

• City of London Dry Gin: A classic London dry gin with a blend of traditional botanicals.
• Christopher Wren Gin: A gin named after the famous architect, featuring a unique blend of juniper, angelica root, and coriander.
• Square Mile Gin: A tribute to the City of London, this gin includes fresh orange, lemon, and balanced spices.
• Old Tom Gin: A sweeter, historical style of gin with a rich, robust flavor.

Awards Won by The City of London Distillery

San Francisco World Spirits Competition:

• 2017: Three Double-Gold Awards for the City of London Dry Gin, Old Tom Gin, and Square Mile Gin​.

International Wine & Spirits Competition:

• 2017: Gold Award for the Christopher Wren Gin​.
• Additionally, the distillery has won a total of five Gold Awards over the years.

The Spirits Business Gin Masters:

• 2017: Gin Masters Award, which is higher than a gold, for the Sloe Gin​.
• Overall, the distillery has received three Gin Masters Awards.

Other Recognitions:

• The distillery has accumulated a total of 65 medals across various competitions, including 4 Double Golds, 5 Golds at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, and 6 Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition​.

 

The City of London Distillery Tour Information and Experience

 

The City of London Distillery offers an immersive tour experience that provides visitors with an in-depth look at the gin-making process, the history of gin, and a taste of their award-winning gins. Located on Bride Lane just off Fleet Street, the distillery combines historical charm with modern distilling techniques.

Distillery Tour

The tour begins in the atmospheric bar area, where visitors are greeted by the sight of copper stills named Clarissa, Jennifer, and Elizabeth, prominently displayed behind a glass wall. The experience starts with a refreshing gin and tonic made from one of the distillery’s signature gins.

Historical Insights

Visitors are then guided through the history of gin, including its rise, fall, and resurgence in London. The tour highlights the unique story of how Jonathan Clark founded the distillery in 2012, reviving the tradition of gin production in the City of London after almost 200 years.

Tasting Experience

One of the key highlights of the tour is the gin tasting session. Guests are invited to taste a range of gins produced by the distillery, including the classic City of London Dry Gin, Christopher Wren Gin, Old Tom Gin, Sloe Gin, and Square Mile Gin. Each gin is presented with an explanation of its unique botanicals and flavor profile.

Gin-Making Classes

For those interested in a more hands-on experience, the distillery offers gin-making classes. Participants learn about botanical selection and are guided through the process of creating their own gin recipe. Each person gets to distill their own gin using individual copper stills, making it a memorable and personalized experience.

Private Events and Special Tours

The City of London Distillery also caters to private events and corporate experiences. These special tours can be customized to include additional tastings, cocktail-making sessions, and more detailed explorations of the distilling process.

Booking and Availability

Tours and experiences at the City of London Distillery can be booked through their website. The distillery is open Monday to Saturday from 4 PM to 10 PM, making it a convenient option for both locals and tourists.

Flask & Barrel Review of The City of London Distillery

I recently visited The City of London Distillery, and as a whiskey collector who has toured countless distilleries, I have to say this place is something special. I’d rate it a solid 4.7 out of 5.

First off, the atmosphere is just incredible. Located in the heart of London, the distillery is tucked away on Bride Lane, just off Fleet Street. Walking in, you’re greeted with a cozy bar area that offers a perfect view of the copper stills. The setting really captures a mix of historic charm and modern flair.

The tour itself was both informative and engaging. Our guide did a fantastic job of explaining the history of gin, especially how the City of London Distillery revived gin production in the area after almost 200 years. I learned so much about the distillation process and the unique botanicals used in their gins.

One of the highlights for me was the tasting session. We got to sample five different gins, including their classic City of London Dry Gin and the more unique Christopher Wren Gin. Each had its own distinct flavor profile, and it was fascinating to compare them side by side.

The gin-making class was another great experience. It’s one thing to drink gin, but making your own is a whole new level of appreciation. The staff was super helpful, guiding us through selecting botanicals and distilling our own gin. I ended up with a bottle of gin that I crafted myself – how cool is that?

If there’s one thing I’d improve, it’s the tasting format. We had to finish two gins before moving on to the next, which made it a bit tricky to go back and compare. But honestly, that’s a small nitpick in an otherwise stellar experience.

What To Do Nearby The City of London Distillery

St. Paul’s Cathedral (0.3 miles): This iconic landmark boasts stunning architecture and a rich history. Climb the dome for panoramic city views or explore the awe-inspiring interior.

Temple Church (0.4 miles): Step back in time at this fascinating 12th-century church. Admire the unique round nave and learn about its role in the Knights Templar legacy.

Barbican Centre (0.5 miles): Embrace the arts at this renowned cultural center. Explore diverse exhibitions, catch a performance, or simply enjoy the striking Brutalist architecture.

 

The Bank of England Museum (0.6 miles): Discover the history of the Bank of England and its role in the financial system. The museum features interactive displays and even a genuine gold bar you can try to lift.

 

Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre (0.6 miles): Explore a collection of art ranging from the 17th century to the present day. Beneath the gallery lies the remains of a Roman amphitheatre, offering a glimpse into London’s ancient past.

Postman’s Park (0.4 miles): A peaceful park that features the Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, which commemorates ordinary people who died while saving others. It’s a tranquil spot to reflect and relax.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near The City of London Distillery?

La Dame de Pic London (French Cuisine): This upscale restaurant boasts a 4.6-star rating and is located just 0.2 miles from the distillery at 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ. They specialize in innovative French cuisine made with seasonal ingredients.

Goodman City (Steakhouse): This sophisticated steakhouse is 0.3 miles away at 4 Creechurch Lane, London EC3A 5DE and has a 4.6-star rating. They offer a wide variety of cuts cooked to perfection, along with an impressive wine list.

Chi Noodle & Wine Bar (Pan-Asian): This restaurant offers a variety of Pan-Asian dishes, including noodles, rice dishes, small plates, and Korean specialties. It has a 4.5-star rating on Google Maps and is located just around the corner from the distillery at 63 St Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AY.

What hotels are near The City of London Distillery?

Apex Temple Court Hotel (4.6 stars): This contemporary hotel offers stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi, a polished restaurant with a patio, and is located 0.2 miles from the distillery.

Lost Property, St Paul’s London: (4.6 stars): This sophisticated hotel features chic rooms with espresso machines, a restaurant, a bar, a gym, and is 0.3 miles from the distillery.

Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s: (4.2 stars): While not quite reaching the 4.5 star threshold, this sophisticated hotel offers a spa, an indoor pool, a striking atrium with 3 restaurants, and is 0.4 miles from the distillery. It might be a good alternative depending on your priorities.