Hayman’s

Introduction:

Hayman’s Gin follows a meticulous two-day production process that brings out the natural flavors of the botanicals. The family recipe for their London Dry Gin includes ten botanicals: juniper, coriander, lemon peel, orange peel, angelica root, cinnamon, cassia bark, liquorice, nutmeg, and violet root. In addition to their classic London Dry Gin, Hayman’s offers other gins in their portfolio. Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, produced according to the original recipe, incorporates sweet sugar as a refining ingredient, just as it was done in the 18th century. Hayman’s Sloe Gin is made by infusing wild harvested sloes into their London Dry Gin. This traditional process requires three to four months of maceration, after which the gin is blended with natural sugar. Their Navy Strength Royal Dock Gin is bottled at a traditional Navy strength of 57% ABV, making it particularly suitable for classic cocktails like the Gimlet. This cocktail dates back to the 17th century when sailors mixed their daily gin ration with lime juice to combat scurvy, resulting in a more enjoyable lime flavor. Hayman’s Gently Rested Gin undergoes a unique aging process, resting for three weeks in old Scotch Whisky casks. This maturation in wood enhances the herbal aromas and brings out a peppery note in the gin.

Throughout their range, Hayman’s Gin showcases a commitment to traditional production methods and the use of high-quality botanicals to create a diverse selection of gins with distinct flavors and profiles.

The Production:

In keeping with their family tradition, Hayman’s Gin has named their gin stills after the women in the family. The stills are named Marjorie, Karin, and Miranda. Marjorie is named after James Burrough’s granddaughter, who is also the mother of Christopher Hayman. Marjorie has a capacity of 450 litres. Karin, with a capacity of 1,000 litres, is named after Christopher’s wife. The smallest still, with a capacity of 140 litres, is named Miranda after Christopher’s daughter.

These copper stills play a crucial role in the gin production process. They ensure even and efficient heat distribution, which is essential for extracting flavors from the botanicals and achieving a balanced and smooth gin. The copper material also helps remove unwanted flavors and aromas, allowing the desired characteristics of the botanicals to shine through in the final product.

By naming the stills after family members, Hayman’s Gin honors their heritage and the important role that each generation has played in their distilling legacy. The combination of craftsmanship, traditional copper stills, and a focus on quality contributes to the production of their distinctive and well-regarded gins.

The History:

In 1863, James Burrough, a London apothecary, established a small distillery in Cale Street, Chelsea, where he began experimenting with different gin recipes. During that time, Old Tom Gin was the prevailing style in London. However, Burrough was determined to develop a drier style of gin, which eventually became known as London Dry Gin. James Burrough was the great-grandfather of Christopher Hayman, and his family has been involved in gin production ever since, making them the longest established gin distilling family in England.

In 1987, the family business was sold to the Whitebread Spirits Group. Nevertheless, Christopher Hayman later repurchased parts of the company to uphold the Hayman family tradition. As the Master Distiller, Christopher is often present at the distillery, overseeing the production process and upholding the family’s legacy.

Hayman’s current headquarters are located in Balham, southwest London, just a few kilometers away from the original distillery in Chelsea. Today, the fifth generation of the Hayman family, James and Miranda, are actively involved in running Hayman’s, ensuring that the family’s passion for gin continues to thrive and evolve.

The Visitor Centre:

Hayman’s Distillery warmly welcomes visitors to explore their distillery and learn more about their handcrafted gins. The distillery offers guided tours, providing a unique opportunity to gain insights into the production process and the art of creating their exceptional spirits. During the tour, visitors can discover the craftsmanship behind Hayman’s Gins and get a closer look at the distilling techniques employed.

For those interested in expanding their mixology skills, cocktail masterclasses are available at the distillery. These classes offer a hands-on experience, allowing participants to learn the art of crafting exquisite cocktails using Hayman’s spirits. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain expert knowledge and unleash your creativity in the world of mixology.

Hayman’s Distillery also hosts individual events, providing an immersive and engaging experience for attendees. These events may include tastings, workshops, or other unique gin-related activities. It’s a chance to deepen your appreciation for gin and explore the distinct flavors and characteristics that make Hayman’s spirits exceptional.

Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to purchase Hayman’s spirits on-site, allowing them to take home a taste of their exceptional craftmanship.

Overall, a visit to Hayman’s Distillery offers an enriching and enjoyable experience for gin enthusiasts, allowing them to delve into the world of handcrafted gins, participate in interactive activities, and savor the finest spirits that Hayman’s has to offer.

Visitor information:

Hayman’s Distillery
8a Weir Road
London
SW12 0GT
Tel: +44 20 8673 0485
Email: distillers@hayman.co.uk