Cotswolds Distillery Employs Resident Botanist
The initial
focus at the Cotswolds Distillery is in the creation of their Cotswolds Dry Gin
Inaugural Release (available from September, RRP £33/70cl bottle). The
distilling team, headed up by Alex Davies, have created a 151 strong and
growing single-botanical distillate library (the largest of its kind on this
scale) in order to help them with the recipe development needed to deduce final
gin recipes.
Alex
comments, “Using these rare Cotswolds botanicals will help us to see the
effects of distillation upon never before used flora before incorporation into
our Cotswolds Dry Gin recipe. Having Benedict’s vast knowledge of unusual and
incredibly interesting plants and herbs is of huge importance to help us create
a perfectly balanced and unique gin.”
Benedict
Pollard
Working
alongside the full-time distilling team will be experienced and discerning
botanist, researcher, ecologist and horticulturist Benedict Pollard. With over
20 years research experience, both in the UK (including research in the
Cotswolds, for Kew Gardens and the Royal Horticultural Society) and abroad
(Africa, Portugal and South America), Benedict’s main areas of expertise are
focussed on biodiversity conservation, with particular emphasis on the
taxonomy, distribution and conservation of plants.
With over 100
publications and a number of books under his belt, many featuring his work in
East Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, Benedict truly is an expert in
environmental stewardship. With an interest and ongoing practical research in
herbalism and shamanism, Benedict is bringing a plethora of skills to the
Cotswolds Distillery team, already including the revelation of a number of
typical Cotswolds botanicals that could be considered for use in the Cotswolds
Dry Gin recipe.
Botanicals
include the Red Hemp Nettle; a member of the mint family, pennycress, and
quince seeds, which the distilling team have already set to work upon
distilling for inclusion into their single-botanical library.
Benedict
comments, "I am so excited to have come on board with the Cotswolds
Distillery. I already have a number of novel ideas using rarely before seen
botanicals to incorporate into some sensational recipes. With my background in
conservation, we will also be able to breathe new life into some lesser known
botanicals, growing them sustainably on-site at the distillery, whilst also
promoting their existence and use in a responsible manner."
For recipes follow this link
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