Portsmouth Cathedral Launches it’s Own Gin

15th June 2021

It is the latest in a long line of church and monastic communities to turn its hand to brewing – and the third Church of England cathedral to launch its own brand of gin.

Portsmouth cathedral has launched it’s own gin, The Dean’s Tipple.

Portsmouth Cathedral has teamed up with local award winning distillery, The Portsmouth Distillery Co. to produce The Dean’s Tipple to help raise funds after the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

With funding from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage, Portsmouth Cathedral worked with the Southsea based distillery to develop a one-off gin inspired by its ‘Spice Island’ surroundings which promises gin lovers fennel and pepper and a warm orange twist on the finish.

The Dean of Portsmouth, the Very Revd Dr Anthony Cane, said.

“Our gin is just one of the many new projects we are working on at Portsmouth Cathedral as we recover from the devastating financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are the latest in a long line of church and monastic communities who brew high quality beer, wine and mead as a way of supporting our ministry.

“All the proceeds will directly support the conservation of 800 years of Portsmouth history that can be found in our building, whilst ensuring it remains free and open for all who wish to visit,’ he added.

The Dean’s Tipple is part of a new range of bespoke products inspired by the building and its heritage, called the Cathedral Collection, and every purchase directly supports Portsmouth Cathedral’s work and mission.

Vince Noyce, from The Portsmouth Distillery Co. added

“It has been a pleasure to work with our city Cathedral to create a truly unique product. The Dean’s Tipple gin is the perfect gift to give family or friends you may not have seen for a while, or even just for yourself!

“The label also holds special significance for the Cathedral, with our in-house designer working with the heritage team at the Cathedral to create a design inspired by the 800-year-old building,” he added.

Blackburn Cathedral was the first cathedral to take advantage of the burgeoning gin trend when it launched its own Cathedra Gin back in 2018 – distilled with juniper, orange, elderflower, almond and vanilla – and a year later, Ripon Cathedral launched St Wilfrid’s Cathedral Gin using Anglo Saxon herbs including, Rue as the main botanical.

The Dean’s Tipple is available to purchase online or in Portsmouth’s Cathedral Shop priced at £39 and you can get a free tote bag with your order!

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