This World Gin Day (14th June) we speak to Owner of Leeds Gin, Tom Clark, about the art of distilling a local tipple.
Each year on the second Saturday of June, gin lovers around the globe raise a glass in celebration of World Gin Day – a spirited tribute to one of the world’s most beloved and versatile spirits. What began in 2009 as a small gathering in Birmingham has since evolved into an international celebration that unites distilleries, bars, and enthusiasts in honouring gin’s botanical brilliance and cultural renaissance.
Tom Clark’s career began at a digital printers, before moving into managing escape rooms, but when COVID hit and the world stood still, Tom found a new passion and stepped into the world of gin distilling: “When I first started my gin company, Castle Hill, I contacted Leeds Gin looking to work with them but they were actually looking to sell the brand. I’m from Keighley originally and my wife is from Leeds and the owners at the time were based in Sheffield, so it felt really good to be able to buy Leeds Gin and bring it back to its roots.”
Tom walks us through to process of creating the company’s tasty tipples: “We start with a base alcohol that’s 96% ABV – it’s basically a high strength, pure vodka called neutral grain spirit (NGS). We cut it with water to 50% and macerate the ingredients in the NGS for two days minimum. After that we strain it all out and put that liquid into the still. We then heat the still, and the alcohol vapour evaporates before the water does, so the alcohol vapour goes down the condensing arm, which cools it and turns it back into a liquid, and that liquid comes out the end. When we collect it, it’s about 80% ABV, we add filtered water to make it 40% ABV and this is our finished product.”
“We have one person that helps with production and another with marketing and sales but being solely responsible for the supply and keeping control of everything can be a challenge!” Tom acknowledges the struggles that come with running a small business. “The biggest reward definitely outweighs it though, seeing your product on the shelf or walking into a bar and seeing people enjoy your product is really nice. It also helps that it’s a fun industry to be involved in!”
Whether it’s a classic pour, fruity infusion, or a retro sweet favourite, Leeds Gin is continuing to capture the imagination of drinkers from across our city and beyond. From humble beginnings to reviving a local favourite, Tom’s journey with Leeds Gin is a testament to the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines the gin community. So, whatever your perfect pour may be, raise a glass this June and toast to the craft, the culture, and the ever-evolving story of gin.
