How did gin go from the devilishly addictive drink of the 18th century, causing devastating social problems, to being the undisputed queen of the drinks cabinet? Join Jane Peyton, drinks educator and historian, in a tutored tasting of three different types of gin and the cocktails they inspired – and learn how gin helped Britain to become the dominant naval power and establish a vast empire.
Captain Thomas Coram, who established the Foundling Hospital in 1739, would have known naval captains who carried gin aboard their ships as a painkiller, sterilant, and for the daily tot dispensed to well behaved sailors. Ironically, gin was also a reason why so many babies were abandoned or orphaned and given a home at the hospital.
All guests will receive a welcome drink followed by an entertaining tasting tutorial with a plethora of fascinating facts to turn you into a gin Mastermind.
This event is for 18+ only. It will last for approximately 1.5 hours.
Jane Peyton is an alcoholic drinks expert, writer, broadcaster, and public speaker. She is the founder of the School of Booze consultancy. Jane was Britain’s first Beer Sommelier of the Year, the UK’s first accredited cider sommelier, and is a former Drinks Educator of the Year. She is the author of several non-fiction books including The Philosophy of Beer, The Philosophy of Gin, The Philosophy of Cocktails, and The Philosophy of Cider.
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