8 George’s Lane, Gibraltar
[email protected]
00 350 22501294
www.spiritoftherock.gi
Text by Sarah Birch. Photos provided by Spirit of the Rock and Sarah Birch
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OTWO 05 / DECEMBER 2019
As you may have noticed, gin is in! Britain certainly
can’t get enough of it, with a massive surge in dis-
tilleries opening across the country, gin has made a
stellar comeback.
Enter, Spirit of the Rock, the first and only disti-
llery that produces its very own unique craft gin right
here in Gibraltar!
The idea for Spirit of the Rock and its very own
artisanal gin - Campion, came to Peter and Stella Mi-
llhouse in late 2017, in what some could describe as
cosmic kismet nudged along by the Gin Gods.
Having spent an evening enjoying good quality
gin at a party, and the following morning watching
a segment on tv about craft gin, Stella decided to
stroll to Europa Point. On the way, she passed a sign
that read - Glen Rocky Distillery, and that’s when the
’lightbulb’ hit.
They began by going on gin tasting and distillery
tours in the UK, after which they contacted the Craft
Distilling Business, a UK company that helps similar
start-ups. After nearly two years, they have perfec-
ted the art of distilling high quality gin and developed
their uniquely Gibraltarian blend.
In April 2019, they secured a premises on Geor-
ge’s Lane. Coincidently, the building is first cited in
records soon after the British and Dutch took posses-
sion of the Rock in 1704, at a time when Anglo-Dutch
naval forces drank jenever (Dutch gin) to calm the
nerves - also known as ‘Dutch courage’.
In just six short months, Peter and Stella turned an
empty shell with no utilities into a fully functioning
distillery with specialist tasting tours. They also su-
pply various shops and bars around Gib.
Their singular London Dry Gin incorporates the
usual botanical villains of juniper, orris, coriander and
angelica. Citrus notes come from orange and lemon-
grass. Plus, a spice mix of cassia, cinnamon, cardamom
OTWO 05 / DECEMBER 2019
and a little clove. But what makes this blend truly spe-
cial are rosebuds from Morocco, carob pods, and fina-
lly, the seeds from the rare flower that gives the gin its
name - Campion, only found here on the Rock.
Campion also packs a punch at a mighty 48% ABV
but is still bold, flavourful and well-rounded, honou-
ring the 300-year bond Gibraltar has with the military.
Campion’s smooth and versatile blend makes it
perfect neat or with a mixer. It combines particularly
well with the seasonal Fever-tree Clementine & Cin-
namon Tonic or in a classic Negroni.
But what also makes Spirt of the Rock special is
their environmental ethos. Having both been mem-
bers of Greenpeace, Stella and Peter wanted to ensu-
re that their production and packaging were as green
as possible.
Rather than ordering their bottles from cheaper
manufacturers in Asia, they opted to order from Por-
tugal. They avoid plastic where possible, having tes-
ted various bottle stoppers and compromising on a
cork stopper with a protective sleeve. During produc-
tion, they recycle their cooling water, saving a massi-
ve half a million litres a year. Finally, they use 100%
organic ingredients and actively encourage recycling
by offering a bottle return discount to all customers.
Campion, and their latest addition, Moon Lizard
Vodka, can be purchased from various stores around
Gibraltar or directly from the distillery.
For a novel and fun experience, why not book one
of their Historical Tasting Tours, giving both locals
and visitors alike a new angle in which to learn more
about Gibraltar’s extensive history, while also sam-
pling different gins through the ages.
You can book via www.buytickets.gi or by contac-
ting Spirit of the Rock directly. And remember, once
you’ve enjoyed your bottle of Campion, take it back
to the distillery for a discount on your next purchase!
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