Spring 2019

23 Jan19538 Capturing Brighton’s Spirit Founded in 2014 by Brighton resident and gin lover Kathy Caton, Brighton Gin is a testament to the heritage of artisanal craft gin, whilst truly epitomising the British entrepreneurial spirit. Despite its small size, Brighton Gin has swiftly become a favourite, enticing gin lovers and novices alike with its refreshing zest – it is a product that captures the very heart of Brighton and its inhabitants. We spoke with Kathy to find out more. More than anything, Brighton Gin is defined by a commitment to its own strengths. It’s fun, quirky and playful, without sacrificing an ounce of quality – make no mistake, this gin delights in its smooth citrus notes, making it the perfect addition to cocktails, or even sipped neat. With only 4,000 cases produced each year, it’s also decidedly exclusive, a treat, though it has certainly proven a firm favourite for Brighton’s citizens, as Kathy explains in more detail. “Brighton Gin is stocked by the majority of venues in our wonderful home city, including the Brighton Dome concert hall – where ABBA won the Eurovision song contest- where it is consistently the top selling spirit, and at the Amex Stadium, home of the Premiership League team Brighton & Hove Albion.” It’s clear from the outset that this is a company that is not only deeply passionate about gin, but also their home city. From the classical logo that evokes the Prince Regent’s historic Royal Palace to the brand’s use of soft aquamarine, Brighton Gin is almost a love story to the city, embodying everything that makes it so vibrant and effervescent. Kathy continues, emphasising the company’s ethos and dedication to perfection. “It’s a micro business with passion at its heart, and fewer than ten full-time equivalent employees. Our distillers are just as likely to be waxing bottle tops and pouring gins at events to delivering local bars and restaurants. With each bottle being hand filled, waxed and labelled, we ensure that every single bottle that leaves our distillery is consistently of the highest quality. It’s a premium product made with the very best ingredients we can source, and we do not cut corners to economise.” “Brighton Gin is a highly versatile modern spirit, with its refreshing citrus base and distinctive juniper notes making it an ideal gin for a range of cocktails: from a classic Negroni to a honey-scented Bee’s Taste Knees. And of course, it’s a favourite in a classic gin and tonic, with our recommended serve of a slice of orange to bring its citrus notes to the fore.” As you might imagine, Kathy is also keen to broaden the company’s product line, eager to explore new horizons and meet new challenges head on: “Whilst our classic original Brighton Gin remains our flagship product, we like to experiment with new variations, and have developed a 57% premium Navy-style gin, which we call our ‘Seaside Strength’ gin. It’s packed with zesty citrus, bold juniper and hints of spice and candied peel. Our recommended serve as a G&T is with a wheel of lime, or even sipped neat, which isn’t how people usually think of drinking gin! “On top of that, we’re also constantly looking for new ways to work better, such as by cutting down on resources and waste, by recycling our cooling water, using recycled glass for our bottles, delivering locally by special Brighton Gin-branded bicycles, and eventually cutting out all non-recyclable packing. We are a flexible employer, proud of the genuine diversity in our work force – there’s a fifty-year gap between our eldest and youngest employee!” It would be remiss to not mention that Brighton Gin is also certified vegan, which includes its wax bottle tops and the gum they use to stick their labels. “While other gin manufacturers may trade on colourful back stories whilst shifting their production to industrial filling and packaging, we remain true to our origins on a kitchen table in Brighton.We believe our methods of production with high quality ingredients guarantee a consistency of taste and standards, and we know our customers appreciate the small-scale nature of what we do. We know that we’re not the cheapest, but we absolutely believe in using the best of everything in our production process.” - Kathy on competition in the industry Finally, Kathy takes a moment to comment on the future of Brighton Gin, as they look set to expand into new markets. “Brighton Gin has just agreed a nationwide distribution deal with crafts spirit specialist Love Drinks – we are looking forward to the Spirit of Brighton reaching discerning gin lovers nationally. Naturally, we are looking to take Brighton Gin worldwide, so we are always eager to hear from people around the world who might be able to help us do that.” Company: Brighton Gin Address: Brighton & Hove, United Kingdom Website: www.brightongin.com Telephone: 01273 448 092