Posted on May 28 2019.
A few months ago we wrote a blog about our Callwood Rum, which is distilled in Cane Garden Bay on Tortola. In this blog, we want to introduce another liquor that is proudly distilled on our island Tortola: BVI GIN. BVI GIN has won ‘Best in the Americas’ at The Gin Guide Awards 2019!
After Hurricane Irma, Neal and his colleague Joshua Davies wanted to spread the word about the strength and resilience of the British Virgin Islands and to create a product that would not only make the people of the BVI proud but also attract tourists.
Recognizing that a lot of gin is consumed in the BVI but very little is distilled locally, the Little Bay Distilling Company saw an opportunity to stand out amongst all the rum of the region. They also saw that nearly all the gin is imported and wanted to provide a product that the people and visitors to the islands would be proud to drink, buy and take home.
The Little Bay Distilling Company distills BVI GIN in a handmade traditional bespoke copper column still at the distillery near Little Bay on the island of Tortola in small batches. This small batch production method along with the quality and precise combination of botanical produces a fresh, smooth, traditional gin which leads with juniper and gives way to subtle notes of hibiscus flower, grapefruit, lemon, cassia and liquorice. It is then bottled and labelled by hand resulting in a truly authentic, handcrafted BVI product.
BVI GIN is distributed by Proudly African and is available for purchase at Relish and That’s The Spirit! on Tortola Pier Park. You can also find BVI GIN at Riteway Supermarket and lots of bars & restaurants throughout the British Virgin Islands.
HIBISCUS G&T
2 oz BVI GIN
5 oz Quality Tonic Water
½ oz Hibiscus & Rose Syrup
Hibiscus, adds a beautiful floral edge to our signature G&T. To make the syrup, add dried hibiscus flowers (3/4 cup), water (2 cups) and sugar (1 cup) to a small pan and bring the mixture to a boil. When it reaches boiling, turn the heat down and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely. Once cooled, strain the dried flowers from the mixture and add a few sparing drops of Rose Water to taste. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Pour and serve the Gin & Tonic over ice, adding the Hibiscus & Rose Syrup at the end. Stir with a spoon and enjoy!
ELDERFLOWER FRENCH 75
1 oz BVI GIN
2 oz Champagne (or sparkling wine)
1/2 oz Elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
Lemon Twist Garnish (optional)
Combine gin, St-Germain, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe. Top with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.