Ep. 102: Bertha’s Revenge Gin with Founders Justin Green and Antony Jackson

2023-08-09

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I know what you're thinking: Gin? That bitter, juniper-heavy, cocktail drink? Yes, gin. But gin is so much more than a mixing spirit. Gins have been a low-key favorite spirit of mine for a while now. The most interesting ones differentiate themselves with local botanicals (read: plants, spices, etc.) that create a profile unique to that place. Some, like this week's guest, start before that, using the base as a differentiator. I didn't know this, but apparently whey-based alcohol is a thing and a ...

I know what you're thinking: Gin? That bitter, juniper-heavy, cocktail drink?

Yes, gin. But gin is so much more than a mixing spirit.

Gins have been a low-key favorite spirit of mine for a while now. The most interesting ones differentiate themselves with local botanicals (read: plants, spices, etc.) that create a profile unique to that place. Some, like this week's guest, start before that, using the base as a differentiator.

I didn't know this, but apparently whey-based alcohol is a thing and a growing thing at that. Basically, take the whey off of cheese-making/dairy production, ferment and distill it, and you get a base alcohol just like if you distilled fruit or grain or potatoes. The difference is the mouthfeel, and boy is there a difference.

Bertha's Revenge is the best of both worlds: a gin that has the botanical profile of provenance with a mouthfeel that's unmistakably viscous. It's a gin that works perfectly well in a cocktail and as a standalone (especially that navy strength - wow!). Add in the sloe gin (Slow Bertha, a fantastic name) and founders Justin and Antony have a winning combo.

This is a flat-out fun episode, bouncing around between a London gin trip to the brand's namesake, a 49-year-old cow (deceased in 1993) who had a mind-boggling 39 calves in her lifetime. 39!!! My god...that Droimeann must be proud of the gin that's adopted her name and likeness. If you have 39 kids and don't drink, you're listening to the wrong podcast.

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Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. Our Spirits of French Lick barrel pick is done! I won't spoil the surprise, only saying it is one of only 9 or 10 barrels ever made of this whiskey (and ours will be the first to come out!)

Our Barrell Rye pick done with Perry and Eric of This Is My Bourbon Podcast is just about ready, too, so keep an eye out on social media and on the mailing list for updates.

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Bertha's Revenge Distillery