Spirited away

A unique line of gin and rum created in the heart of Cornwall.

Distilling company, Mother’s Ruin 1751, was set up in 2018 by a family run team. Having served for 21 years in the Royal Navy (and still serving), Craig Brook-Hewitt entered the Cornwall Division in 2002, has since served on HMS Cornwall and has now settled in the county. Fitting then that their flagship gin, Cornish Blue Flamingo, proudly takes the name of the Duchy. Based on a classic London dry, this gin contains 16 unusual and scarce botanicals; some found growing in Cornish gardens, some locally sourced by Cornish producers (such as Black Bee Honey), and some exciting additions such as the antioxidant Açai berry sourced all the way from South America.

Their Cornish Blue Flamingo Gin is uniquely distilled with as many local fresh botanicals as possible by Craig at Colwith Farm Distillery: “I have a beautiful 200-litre copper pot still named Anthea, after my mother! Each run produces 250 to 280 bottles, or a little less if we sneak in miniatures. The full process is artisan, small batch, and most of all made with love and care, so you really know that it is handcrafted.” Their approach to sustainability is also very refreshing: “We refuse to waste anything,” adds Craig, “any excess botanicals are used to make our range of preserves.”

Alongside Cornish Blue Flamingo, Mother’s Ruin 1751 also produces Commander Fox, an authentic old Tom-style gin, and the newly launched Sea Maiden Rum. A smooth, dark and stormy spiced tipple, Sea Maiden is a sweet serenade to the shipwrecked and those lost at sea. Smuggled from warmer shores and distilled from sugar cane molasses, Sea Maiden is infused in Cornwall with notes of vanilla, lime, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It’s then blended with Cornish spring water and bottled at 40% alcohol. Craig suggests that “it’s perfectly served chilled over ice neat or mixed with a premium cola.”

Innovative in all things, Mother’s Ruin 1751 is the first in Cornwall to launch artisan ready-to-drink double gin and tonic and a double gin and ginger ale in a can. At 8% proof, and both winning Gold Taste of the West awards, these are best served ice cold and with friends.

MOTHER’S RUIN 1751
orders@mothersruin1751.co.uk

www.mothersruin1751.co.uk