Can you believe we’re a quarter of the way through the 2019 Batch Innovations series?! The fourth tipple in the Innovations collection is a Batch white label – meaning we make this gin for a client. Released exclusively to club members, this is the first time Long Dog Gin has ever been available. Paul plans to formally launch the gin at the end of this month.
The name ‘Long Dog’ is inspired by its founder’s love for his miniature Dachshunds Max and Paddy. Paul Coupe approached Batch back in 2017, looking for a distillery to make his gin. We caught up with Paul who explains his vision behind Long Dog Gin.
Tell us a little bit about yourself – if any, what’s your links with the drinks industry?
After working in the fish and chips industry and owning my own restaurant for a combined 35 years, I came to the realisation that I wanted something else. The drinks industry can be innovative and an exciting new challenge!
Why did you decide to commission a gin?
It had been at the back of my mind over the last couple of years and I just kept thinking now is the time to do it. It has been a long process getting everything in place and it’s not easy, but the more I researched gin, I appreciated more and more what goes into producing it.
What other gins do you like?
In my younger days it would have been Gordons or Beefeater. But like I said, there’s a lot more to gin than what I first thought. If I’m not sipping a Long Dog you’ll find me drinking Monkey 47, or any Batch product!
What Batch Innovations spirits have been your favourite so far?
Tough choice but has to be the Sherry Cask Rum and Gin Rummy
What made you choose Batch to produce Long Dog Gin?
By way of an introduction via someone in the spirits industry. I came to meet Batch and discussed the idea of producing my own brand gin.
I was surprised how small the distillery was, I thought it would be 5x the size, with big stills. I soon realised Batch really are a craft distillery and everything is done with that small-batch approach – and I love that approach! It’s more personal, there’s a lot more scope for developing unique recipes and that’s evident throughout the Innovations range.
The team are great too! They have all been amazing and an absolute joy to be associated with. If I had to pick my favourite thing about batch it’d be tough to choose as I love everything about it but the team are so friendly and their products are amazing.
Where did the name Long Dog come from?
We were having a family night watching tv with our beloved Dachshunds Max and Paddy and thought Long Dog was a catchy name. Their copper colouring inspired the branding and the idea just sort of followed through to the product. I worked with Ollie to carry the same inspiration through to production, using red citrus fruits in the recipe.
What inspired you to choose the range of Botanicals in Long Dog Gin?
Some of the ideas for the flavours came from the colour of dogs – red botanicals. I also prefer citrus gins and wanted this to lead, balanced with juniper, so included blood orange and red grapefruit. I wanted a smooth gin so the addition of almond results in a smooth, creamy finish.
How do you serve Long Dog Gin?
Mediterranean tonic, slice of pink grapefruit and a sprig of thyme. The guys over at Ginception have also come up with this delicious cocktail.
50ml Long Dog Gin
50ml orange blossom water and rose-hip syrup
Mediterranean tonic
Grapefruit
Rosemary
Mix the gin and blossom water and pour over ice. Top with tonic and garnish with grapefruit, rosemary and a few rose petals.
What’s next for you/Long Dog Gin?
Expand the brand and raise the profile! I’m excited about getting Long Dog Gin on the market and getting out to tasing events and seeing it on the shelves in stores. My dream stores would be places like Holmes Mill, D. Byrne & Co and Booths. I’m really lucky that they take Batch Innovations already and would love to see it rolled out in Booths because of their focus on local, craft producers. After that – who knows?!
Botanicals
Allspice, cardamom, cassia, cinnamon, coriander, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, lime, melissa, orange, pomelo and rose.
Recipe Attempts
3
