In July 2024, the final of Hayman’s The Original Gin Cocktail Competition, in partnership with Difford’s Guide, took place at the Distillery in London. Judged by
Hayman’s Distillery 8a Weir Road London SW12 0NA
How to get to us
We are a 12-minute walk from Balham station (Northern line, zone 3 Overground and Underground) or a 15-minute walk from Clapham South station (Northern line, zone 2 Underground).
The Gin and Tonic is the quintessential English drink. Originally pioneered by English officers using London Gin, the proportions were always one-part gin to two-parts tonic. It was presented in a tall, slim glass and offered elegance, refreshment and balance between spirit and mixer.
Today, the G&T has become an increasingly tonic-heavy serve with three or four parts-tonic commonly being used to one-part gin. We wanted to see the G&T circle back to its origins as a balanced serve.
Introducing our True English G&T Glass!
Drawing inspiration from a late 19th Century design found in the Hayman family archives, our new glassware echoes the style of England’s ornate Victorian Gin Palaces.
It is 350ml in capacity, so once filled with cubed ice it will hold exactly 50ml of Gin and 100ml of tonic. This creates a perfectly balanced 2:1 gin and tonic serve every time. Refreshing, juniper-forward and elegant – it is a True English masterpiece.
Available to purchase from the Hayman’s of London Distillery in South West London and on our website.
Create the perfect balanced G&T with this True English Gin & Tonic recipe:
This Limited Edition is the first in Hayman’s ‘Bartender Release’ series and was co-created by Bartender Jordan Sweeney of The Wigmore Tavern at the Langham Hotel.
Jordan was the winner of the Hayman’s True Taste Competition. The prize included a five-day distilling apprenticeship working under Master Distiller Christopher Hayman and Distiller Sam Pembridge, to make Jordan’s own special edition Hayman’s Gin. To find out more about how he found his apprenticeship, check out his interview here.
Jordan chose to add fresh grapefruit and the heritage English Fuggle and Goldings hop varietals to the Hayman’s signature blend of ten botanicals. The English Fuggle hop was introduced to England in 1861 – just two years before Christopher Hayman’s great-grandfather first entered the gin industry – and has for generations been a popular element in traditional English ales. The bright citrus burst from the grapefruit combined with the pronounced grassy notes from the hops create a wonderfully balanced serve.
Hayman’s Hopped Gin is the perfect gin for making a True English G&T, best served with a wedge of pink grapefruit to create a refreshing twist on a classic English G&T.
Just 1,200 hand-numbered bottled of Hayman’s True English Hopped Gin have been created. They are available to buy from the Hayman’s of London Distillery in South West London and on our website.
An interview with True Taste Competition Winner 20018 Jordan Sweeney
We spoke with our 2018 winner Jordan Sweeney of The Wigmore Tavern, where he is Assistant Head-Bartender. Jordan discusses his motivation to enter the competition, his top tips on competing and his ultimate experience of the distilling apprenticeship!
Jordan, what made you apply for the True Taste competition?
I hadn’t entered a competition for two years prior to True Taste, but I felt that the prize was an opportunity I could not miss. Winning a 5-day distilling apprenticeship and working with the Hayman’s Master Distiller Christopher Hayman and Distiller Sam Pembridge really inspired me, so I went for it and applied!
What was it like to compete?
It was a fantastic experience. You could tell a lot of thought had gone into creating the interesting and challenging rounds. For example, in one round you had to nose and identify distillates of the 10 Hayman’s botanicals, and then blend these to create a perfectly balanced gin. As someone who is really interested in the gin-making process, it was so unique.
I also loved watching the presentations and seeing what the other contestants had come up with. The competition gave contestants free rein, so allowed creative bartenders to shine and I saw some incredible drinks. There’s such a wealth of talent in our industry, and it was a fantastic opportunity to see that. Â
The distillery itself is a beautiful setting for the competition. The three-course meal at the end of the day was a lovely touch, and it is a memorable moment enjoying a meal with friends and the three massive stills watching over you!
Your winning prize was a distilling apprenticeship. How was your experience working with both Hayman’s Master Distiller Christopher Hayman and Head Distiller, Sam Pembridge?
Truly, the knowledge you gain is the prize. I’ve had the chance to get hands-on experience in a working distillery with true professionals.  Sam, will have you doing everything, not just the fun bits! You will be measuring out the botanicals and loading the stills.  He’s very open with his knowledge and offers it openly and freely, so you really have a chance to learn a lot if you utilise this!
The distiller’s apprenticeship also included a lot more than I had imagined. It’s a masterclass in product development and you are included in everything, from recipe testing and fine-tuning to marketing. You work closely with the Hayman’s Brand Ambassador, so you gain a broad understanding of how the drinks industry works.
Your very own Hayman’s Bartenders-Edition Gin is soon to be launched, how does that feel?
It is incredible. One of the most respected gin companies selling my gin! I cannot wait to see the reaction to it, especially from fellow bartenders and people I respect in the industry!
What advice would you give contestants entering the 2019 competition?
All the drinks in the final are going to be of a very high standard. They will already have won their individual heats. So, for me, it all comes down to how you present your idea and the story you tell. Take a few risks and do something different, as you only get one shot!
In one of my competition drinks, I used two types of hops and so for my presentation I created an alternate universe where the hops were a royal family! It was definitely whacky so was something the judges remembered!
I am a firm believer in not letting facts get in the way of a good story! That’s not to say I am encouraging you to lie, but I have seen so many presentations derailed by the competitor desperately trying to remember a certain date or detail. You should certainly have facts and be ready to throw them in where possible, but never rely your whole presentation on them. Focus on the pace of the presentation and engage the crowd as much as possible – you’re just having a chat with them after all!
From wedges to wheels, and twists to peels, it can be hard to know what garnish to add to your gin. Every gin is made using a different combination of botanicals, so the choice of garnish can really help to complement or contrast its flavour. Keep reading for our quick guide on garnishing your gin.
What is a Garnish?
Essentially, it is anything added to a drink. A great garnish can help to enhance a drink’s visual appeal, add a sensory element and bring out flavours.
Types of Garnish
Peels
The peel of a fruit is packed full of oils, so it makes a fantastic garnish. Giving the peel a twist will release these oils, giving off some serious aromas when rubbed around the edge of a glass. At Hayman’s, we love to use citrus peels as they provide great flavour without being too overpowering and upsetting the balance of the gin. Oh – and we can brand them!
Cut Fruit
Using a wedge of fruit is great if you want to add a bit more flavour to your drink. Particularly in the case of citrus fruits, a wedge will add some acidity and sharpness.
Whole Fruit
Using whole fruit won’t give off as much flavour as a peel or cut fruit. But what they lack in aroma they make up for in visuals and using small berries can make a drink look very appealing.
So which garnish works best with our collection of True English Gins? We have chosen a couple of options for each gin which will help to complement or contrast their different flavour profiles.
London Dry Gin
Compliment
For a true English G&T we recommend using a lemon peel to accentuate this gin’s crisp, citrus notes.
Contrast
A touch of grated nutmeg or cinnamon will play on the spicier notes in this gin.
Using a thin slice of orange will highlight the sherbet-like sweetness of this gin.
Contrast
For something different, our bartender recommends adding a physalis berry. Not only will this add a real wow to your drink’s visuals, it will also play on the rounded, citrus notes of Old Tom Gin.
Maraschino cherries work well to bring out the sweeter, plum flavours of our Sloe Gin.
Contrast
Have you ever considered using almonds as a garnish? Sprinkling flakes on the top of your drink are a great way to bring out the nutty flavour of our Sloe Gin. Using pickled almonds would emphasise the hedgerow tartness of this gin, while caramelised almonds would accentuate the sweetness of the sloe berries used.
This gin finishes with bright citrus and warm coriander flavours.  Adding a grapefruit peel works well to bring body and balance to this gin.
Contrast
To bring out the peppery notes of this gin we like to use pink peppercorns. Just a few will accentuate the peppery spice to give a pleasant warmth.
This gin already has a big flavour, so we recommend floating angostura bitters and adding a slice of lime. This creates an aromatic G&T which harks back to traditional Victorian Pink Gin.
Contrast
The hearts of this gin give off tropical aromas, so adding a slice of mango will enhance these flavours.
