A spirit distiller from Lymington, known for his quirky and imaginative creations, has unveiled two of his latest inventions: a Full English Breakfast gin and a “Cheesy Beans” Jacket Potato gin.Tom Simpson, founder of 820 Spirits, has announced the savoury gins so drinkers can enjoy their favourite comfort foods shaken – or stirred – over a chilled glass with ice.
The meticulously crafted Full English Breakfast Gin is infused with classic breakfast favourites including tomato, smoked bacon, sausage black pepper, earthy mushroom, and a hint of baked beans.
There’s also a whisper of egg, a toasty malted note from golden brown toast, and a dash of tangy brow. For the finishing touch? A subtle infusion of rosemary and a background hint of tea – because what’s a Full English without a proper brew?
“When cooking up my latest concoctions, it suddenly occurred to me that there aren’t many savoury spirits,” explains Tom. “It was while I was enjoying brunch with friends that the idea struck me – why not make a Full English Breakfast gin?”
Taking his inspiration away in a takeaway box, Tom got to work experimenting with different flavours until he perfected the ultimate fry-up flavour.
“This is something really special,” says Tom. “Although the thought may make people initially turn up their noses, you may be surprised by the taste!”
For those preferring the warming delights of a jacket potato, the “Cheesy Beans Jacket Potato” gin first came about because the breakfast gin was so popular with family and friends. Tom’s mum preferred jacket potatoes to a fry-up, so Tom created her own special bottle in time for Mother’s Day.
“This gin boasts a savoury-smooth finish with creamy umami undertones, warm spice, and a lingering smoky depth — best served warm, like the dish that inspired it (or at least in a hot toddy-style cocktail),” says Tom.
Using locally grown botanicals in its range of award-winning gins, 820 Spirits’ line-up also includes a London Dry Gin, a pink gin, sloe gin, blackberry gin, and chocolate orange gin, as well as a limited-edition gin, The Whisper, created to celebrate 120 years of Rolls-Royce. There is also a blended aged rum called The Dawes Rum.’
820 Spirits is based in Lymington, Hampshire in the New Forest and runs a range of spirits schools where people can design and make their own gin or spiced rum, along with cocktail-making classes.
Tom adds: “It’ll be interesting to see if people start asking to add other ingredients to the botanicals we have on offer for gin school. I love making gin and the sky’s the limit!”
