That’s the spirit – gin bar launches its own still for a handmade drink
YORKSHIRE’S FIRST gin bar and distillery has launched a unique new spirit – the first produced in Hull in living memory.
Humber Street Distillery Co. is the only bar in Yorkshire with its own in-house distillery and one of just a handful of such venues across the country.
Its launch on popular Humber Street followed months of work building, installing and commissioning the bespoke still, which is on display behind a glass wall in the oak-panelled bar.
Owners Lee Kirman and Charlotte Bailey teamed up with master distiller Jamie Baxter to capitalise on the explosion in the popularity of gin and the growing trend for boutique brands created by craft distillers.
Mr Kirman said: “We’re really excited that the gin still is up and running and we’ve brought a long-lost art back to Hull.
“The bar opened just over a year ago and has been a great success. Now the launch of the still and our own unique, homeproduced gin is a dream come true for us.
“Customers can enjoy a drink in the bar and admire the still as it works its magic.”
The citrus-led dry gin has floral notes, featuring cubeb berries and cassia bark with chamomile flowers, elderflower and pink grapefruit peel.
Mr Baxter has advised the bar’s owners throughout the project and the still is the 18th he has created over the past 12 years.
The couple had invested £90,000 in the “Rolls Royce of stills”, he said.
“There’s no computer controlling this still. Everything is done by hand, by taste, by touch and by listening to the sounds the still makes. The gin it produces is lovingly created. It’s an artisan, handmade product that is uniquely local and people love that,” he added.
The 150-litre still has a production capacity of 220 bottles a day and will produce Hull Dry Gin for in-house sale and to supply other Hull bars and restaurants, including Hull venues The Minerva, 1884 Dock Street Kitchen and Butler Whites.